Types of Disabilities in Blue Ridge
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Blue Ridge, affecting 144 residents (11.5% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 135 | 9.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 28 | 2.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 41 | 3.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 144 | 11.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 47 | 3.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 30 | 2.6% |
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- Average wait time: 305 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Blue Ridge, 51.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 16.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 17 | 16.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 10 | 5.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 72 | 14.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 69 | 26.5% |
| 75 and over | 99 | 51.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 181 | 25.4% |
| Female | 86 | 13.1% |
Men in Blue Ridge have a higher disability rate (25.4%) compared to women (13.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 267 | 20.1% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0 | 0.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Blue Ridge's median household income of $124,875 is above the county median ($78,993) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge residents in St. Clair 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 Blue Ridge
If you live in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 267 residents of Blue Ridge, Alabama have at least one disability, representing 19.5% of the population of 1,370.
What is the most common disability type in Blue Ridge?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 144 residents (11.5%).
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 Blue Ridge?
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 Blue Ridge?
The median household income in Blue Ridge is $124,875.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in St. Clair 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 Blue Ridge 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