Understanding Disability in Baxter County
Baxter County in Arkansas has a disability rate of 25.9%, which is 12.9 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 41,759, 10,829 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Baxter County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 5,423 residents (13.6% of the population).
The median household income is $48,427, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Baxter County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Baxter County, affecting 5,423 residents (13.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 3,575 | 8.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 2,080 | 5.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 4,530 | 11.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 5,423 | 13.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,191 | 5.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 3,320 | 9.7% |
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- Average wait time: 176 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
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Disability by Age Group
In Baxter County, 48.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 16.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 921 | 16.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,037 | 16.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,927 | 26.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,042 | 29.9% |
| 75 and over | 2,902 | 48.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,646 | 27.7% |
| Female | 5,183 | 24.2% |
Males in Baxter County have a higher disability rate (27.7%) compared to females (24.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Baxter County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 9,948 | 25.6% |
| Black or African American | 5 | 4.1% |
| Asian | 33 | 13.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 287 | 25.0% |
Income & Poverty in Baxter County
The median household income in Baxter County is $48,427, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.5%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Arkansas
Baxter County residents apply for SSDI through the Arkansas Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Arkansas Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 38% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 15% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 49% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 176 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Baxter County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Arkansas, where only 38% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Arkansas is 176 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 62% denial rate in Arkansas, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 49% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Baxter County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 25.9% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Baxter County has at least one disability, totaling 10,829 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Baxter County residents?
Baxter County residents apply through Arkansas's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 38%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 49%. Average processing takes 176 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Arkansas?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Arkansas is 176 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Baxter County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Arkansas, 49% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Baxter County?
The median household income in Baxter County is $48,427, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Baxter County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Baxter County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Baxter County 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