Types of Disabilities in Tuscaloosa
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Tuscaloosa, affecting 5,932 residents (5.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,938 | 1.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,875 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 4,779 | 4.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 5,932 | 5.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,969 | 2.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 3,861 | 4.4% |
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- Average wait time: 305 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Tuscaloosa, 41.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 719 | 5.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,711 | 6.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 4,163 | 14.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,123 | 23.4% |
| 75 and over | 2,054 | 41.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 4,843 | 9.5% |
| Female | 6,941 | 12.5% |
Women in Tuscaloosa have a higher disability rate (12.5%) compared to men (9.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,986 | 11.3% |
| Black or African American | 5,311 | 11.7% |
| Asian | 54 | 1.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 392 | 7.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Tuscaloosa's median household income of $48,536 is below the county median ($64,672) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 15.2%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa residents in Coffee County apply for SSDI through Alabama's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 34% |
| Hearing approval rate | 57% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 305 days |
With an initial approval rate of 34% in Alabama and an average wait of 305 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Alabama disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Tuscaloosa
If you live in Tuscaloosa and believe you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
Online
Apply at ssa.gov/applyfordisability - available 24/7.
By Phone
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8 AM-7 PM.
In Person
Visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest at secure.ssa.gov/ICON.
If you think you might qualify for benefits, working with a disability advocate can really help your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people in Tuscaloosa have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 11,784 residents of Tuscaloosa, Alabama have at least one disability, representing 11.1% of the population of 106,482.
What is the most common disability type in Tuscaloosa?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 5,932 residents (5.9%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Alabama?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Alabama is approximately 34%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 57%. Average processing time is 305 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Tuscaloosa?
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Many applicants benefit from working with a disability lawyer.
What is the median income in Tuscaloosa?
The median household income in Tuscaloosa is $48,536.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Coffee County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI. It takes about 2 minutes and it is completely free.
Sources & Methodology
All data for Tuscaloosa is compiled from official government sources.
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S1810 (Disability Characteristics), 2023
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03 (Selected Economic Characteristics), 2023
- Social Security Administration - SSI Recipients by State and County, 2024
- Social Security Administration - SSDI approval and processing data, Fiscal Year 2024