Types of Disabilities in Hot Springs
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Hot Springs, affecting 4,691 residents (13.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,186 | 5.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,752 | 4.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 3,216 | 9.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 4,691 | 13.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,791 | 5.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,664 | 8.8% |
Need Help Filing in Arkansas?
- Average wait time: 176 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Hot Springs, 53.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 10.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 517 | 10.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 995 | 13.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,126 | 22.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,659 | 36.9% |
| 75 and over | 2,147 | 53.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 4,014 | 23.3% |
| Female | 4,567 | 22.8% |
Men in Hot Springs have a higher disability rate (23.3%) compared to women (22.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,577 | 24.1% |
| Black or African American | 1,299 | 21.6% |
| Asian | 88 | 16.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 407 | 9.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Hot Springs's median household income of $46,441 is below the county median ($53,888) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 13.7%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Hot Springs
Hot Springs residents in Madison 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 Hot Springs
If you live in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 8,581 residents of Hot Springs, Arkansas have at least one disability, representing 23.0% of the population of 37,255.
What is the most common disability type in Hot Springs?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 4,691 residents (13.3%).
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 Hot Springs?
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 Hot Springs?
The median household income in Hot Springs is $46,441.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Madison 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 Hot Springs 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