Types of Disabilities in Lake Wales
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Lake Wales, affecting 1,605 residents (10.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 920 | 5.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 314 | 2.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 970 | 6.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,605 | 10.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 628 | 4.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,185 | 9.4% |
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- Average wait time: 343 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Lake Wales, 50.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 14.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 340 | 14.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 196 | 6.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 858 | 15.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 553 | 23.0% |
| 75 and over | 899 | 50.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,500 | 19.5% |
| Female | 1,346 | 16.1% |
Men in Lake Wales have a higher disability rate (19.5%) compared to women (16.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,704 | 19.4% |
| Black or African American | 614 | 20.0% |
| Asian | 16 | 14.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 617 | 12.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Lake Wales's median household income of $55,799 is above the county median ($50,868) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 19.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Lake Wales
Lake Wales residents in DeSoto 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 Lake Wales
If you live in Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,846 residents of Lake Wales, Florida have at least one disability, representing 17.8% of the population of 16,032.
What is the most common disability type in Lake Wales?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,605 residents (10.7%).
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 Lake Wales?
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 Lake Wales?
The median household income in Lake Wales is $55,799.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in DeSoto County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Lake Wales 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