Types of Disabilities in Van Buren
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Van Buren, affecting 2,189 residents (10.1% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 987 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 951 | 4.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,720 | 7.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,189 | 10.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 648 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,470 | 8.4% |
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- Average wait time: 176 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
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Disability by Age Group
In Van Buren, 51.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 11.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 493 | 11.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,007 | 17.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,314 | 16.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 770 | 34.3% |
| 75 and over | 756 | 51.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,129 | 19.0% |
| Female | 2,262 | 18.9% |
Men in Van Buren have a higher disability rate (19.0%) compared to women (18.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,653 | 20.8% |
| Black or African American | 60 | 18.8% |
| Asian | 40 | 7.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 364 | 9.9% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Van Buren's median household income of $59,420 is above the county median ($36,064) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Van Buren
Van Buren residents in Desha County apply for SSDI through Arkansas's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 38% |
| Hearing approval rate | 49% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 176 days |
With an initial approval rate of 38% in Arkansas and an average wait of 176 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Arkansas disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Van Buren
If you live in Van Buren 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 Van Buren have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 4,391 residents of Van Buren, Arkansas have at least one disability, representing 19.0% of the population of 23,158.
What is the most common disability type in Van Buren?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 2,189 residents (10.1%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Arkansas?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Arkansas is approximately 38%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 49%. Average processing time is 176 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Van Buren?
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 Van Buren?
The median household income in Van Buren is $59,420.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Desha 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 Van Buren 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