The year 2000 U.S. Census puts Westerly’s population at 22,966. Westerly ranks 15th in population among Rhode Island's 39 cities and towns. On weekends during the summer months, Westerly’s population can exceed 100,000. Congestion is far worse during these periods.

During the 1990s, the population grew by 6.3%, and growth is predicted to continue. During the same period, housing grew by 6.8%. To emphasize Westerly’s seasonal nature, in 2000, 1,399 of the 11,292 housing units were seasonal. (RIEDC)

Of the total housing units approximately 4.6% are affordable; as defined by federal law, housing is affordable if the households pay no more than 30% of their income for mortgage or rent. Rhode Island towns have a state-mandated goal of 10% affordable housing. (2000 U.S. Census) Though no towns (do any of the towns have the numbers) reach the goal of 10%, they are supposed to have plans in place to reach this goal. A legal loophole for developers provides extra incentive to reach the 10% goal; if a developer proposes development with 20% or more affordable housing, their proposal skips much of the review process. This law is unpopular with the towns because it has resulted in some sprawling projects with affordable housing tacked on the side.

The affordable housing discussion in Rhode Island is especially pertinent in Westerly. Because of rising property values, young people often leave the town and the state. Affordable housing in conjunction with TOD can provide dense, affordable development in the downtown of a vibrant beach community. There is a perfect area for affordable housing north of the station; it is somewhat depressed, and it is zoned for relatively dense development – HDR-6.

Affordable housing developments could provide several options to Rhode Islanders who otherwise might be forced in inconveniently-located areas – such as areas where some developers build using the 20% loophole. Take, for instance, a Westerly couple (or individual) who works at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods, making slightly above minimum wage. By moving to an affordable home in the midst of TOD development in downtown, they would reduce their expensive dependence on cars. A shuttle sponsored by one of the casinos for all the workers in Westerly would allow them to cut car use to zero, if they wished. Their location on the commuter rail line would allow one of them to search conveniently for another job in any of the other towns on the commuter rail; also, searching for a job using commuter rail would raise the odds that the eventual workplace would be along the commuter rail as well, reinforcing commuter rail use. Also, if one of them wanted to take classes part-time to get a degree, URI would be within easy and inexpensive striking distance by rail. Not only do commuter rail and TOD make affordable housing more effective, but affordable housing can enhance them by diversifying the commuting base. When Westerly caters to all levels of incomes – not just professionals and artists – commuters will travel to a variety of stops on the rail line, and the commuter rail will be more resilient when growth development trends shift unpredictably.