Types of Disabilities in Sarasota
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Sarasota, affecting 3,490 residents (6.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,756 | 3.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,011 | 1.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,335 | 4.5% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,490 | 6.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,008 | 1.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,304 | 5.0% |
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- Average wait time: 343 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Sarasota, 35.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 409 | 6.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 424 | 3.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,192 | 11.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,005 | 12.7% |
| 75 and over | 2,640 | 35.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,218 | 12.9% |
| Female | 3,459 | 11.9% |
Men in Sarasota have a higher disability rate (12.9%) compared to women (11.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,816 | 13.0% |
| Black or African American | 1,236 | 15.0% |
| Asian | 128 | 11.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 422 | 4.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Sarasota's median household income of $70,065 is below the county median ($86,094) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Sarasota
Sarasota residents in Clay County apply for SSDI through Florida's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 56% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 343 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in Florida and an average wait of 343 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Florida disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Sarasota
If you live in Sarasota 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 Sarasota have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 6,677 residents of Sarasota, Florida have at least one disability, representing 12.4% of the population of 53,978.
What is the most common disability type in Sarasota?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 3,490 residents (6.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Florida?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Florida is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 56%. Average processing time is 343 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Sarasota?
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 Sarasota?
The median household income in Sarasota is $70,065.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Clay 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 Sarasota 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