Types of Disabilities in Tempe
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Tempe, affecting 8,644 residents (4.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,955 | 2.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,951 | 2.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 8,644 | 4.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 7,222 | 4.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,460 | 1.4% |
| Independent living difficulty | 5,810 | 3.7% |
Need Help Filing in Arizona?
- Average wait time: 227 days
- Initial approval rate: 36%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Tempe, 44.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,204 | 6.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 6,015 | 7.1% |
| 18 to 64 | 5,979 | 10.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,645 | 23.5% |
| 75 and over | 3,790 | 44.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 9,300 | 9.5% |
| Female | 10,333 | 11.8% |
Women in Tempe have a higher disability rate (11.8%) compared to men (9.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 12,597 | 11.3% |
| Black or African American | 1,341 | 9.3% |
| Asian | 814 | 4.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 5,017 | 11.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Tempe's median household income of $77,643 is above the county median ($75,239) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 8.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Tempe
Tempe residents in Greenlee 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 Tempe
If you live in Tempe 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 Tempe have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 19,633 residents of Tempe, Arizona have at least one disability, representing 10.6% of the population of 185,782.
What is the most common disability type in Tempe?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 8,644 residents (4.9%).
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 Tempe?
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 Tempe?
The median household income in Tempe is $77,643.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Greenlee 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 Tempe 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