Types of Disabilities in Safford
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Safford, affecting 716 residents (7.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 528 | 5.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 313 | 3.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 716 | 7.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 679 | 7.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 360 | 3.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 682 | 9.3% |
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- Average wait time: 227 days
- Initial approval rate: 36%
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Disability by Age Group
In Safford, 57.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 11.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 223 | 11.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 192 | 6.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 333 | 10.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 317 | 43.8% |
| 75 and over | 393 | 57.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 600 | 11.6% |
| Female | 858 | 17.6% |
Women in Safford have a higher disability rate (17.6%) compared to men (11.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,076 | 15.5% |
| Black or African American | 19 | 90.5% |
| Asian | 2 | 2.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 491 | 10.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Safford's median household income of $65,727 is above the county median ($40,338) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Safford
Safford residents in Apache County apply for SSDI through Arizona's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 36% |
| Hearing approval rate | 52% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 227 days |
With an initial approval rate of 36% in Arizona and an average wait of 227 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Arizona disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Safford
If you live in Safford 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 Safford have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,458 residents of Safford, Arizona have at least one disability, representing 14.5% of the population of 10,074.
What is the most common disability type in Safford?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 716 residents (7.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Arizona?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Arizona is approximately 36%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 52%. Average processing time is 227 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Safford?
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 Safford?
The median household income in Safford is $65,727.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Apache 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 Safford 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