Understanding Disability in El Paso County
El Paso County in Colorado has a disability rate of 12.5%, which is 0.5 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 697,143, 87,190 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in El Paso County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 36,786 residents (5.6% of the population).
The median household income is $87,470, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in El Paso County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in El Paso County, affecting 36,786 residents (5.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 27,125 | 3.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 14,654 | 2.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 36,786 | 5.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 34,169 | 5.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 12,143 | 1.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 26,561 | 5.1% |
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- Average wait time: 259 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
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Disability by Age Group
In El Paso County, 43.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 9,128 | 7.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 16,409 | 9.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 31,859 | 12.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 13,567 | 22.0% |
| 75 and over | 15,959 | 43.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 43,362 | 12.7% |
| Female | 43,828 | 12.3% |
Males in El Paso County have a higher disability rate (12.7%) compared to females (12.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in El Paso County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 63,396 | 12.5% |
| Black or African American | 6,331 | 16.1% |
| Asian | 1,651 | 8.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 14,810 | 11.6% |
Income & Poverty in El Paso County
The median household income in El Paso County is $87,470, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.5%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.4%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Colorado
El Paso County residents apply for SSDI through the Colorado Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Colorado Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 37% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 11% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 47% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 259 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in El Paso 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 Colorado, where only 37% 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 Colorado is 259 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 63% denial rate in Colorado, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 47% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in El Paso County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 12.5% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in El Paso County has at least one disability, totaling 87,190 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for El Paso County residents?
El Paso County residents apply through Colorado's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 37%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 47%. Average processing takes 259 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Colorado?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Colorado is 259 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in El Paso County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Colorado, 47% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in El Paso County?
The median household income in El Paso County is $87,470, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in El Paso County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within El Paso 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 El Paso 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