Types of Disabilities in Punta Gorda
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Punta Gorda, affecting 1,826 residents (9.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,826 | 9.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 745 | 3.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 730 | 3.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,699 | 8.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 245 | 1.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,211 | 6.8% |
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- Average wait time: 343 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Punta Gorda, 42.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 3.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 51 | 3.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 69 | 4.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 660 | 10.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 866 | 17.3% |
| 75 and over | 2,316 | 42.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,086 | 21.3% |
| Female | 1,876 | 19.0% |
Men in Punta Gorda have a higher disability rate (21.3%) compared to women (19.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,717 | 21.2% |
| Black or African American | 71 | 9.9% |
| Asian | 28 | 19.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 118 | 21.8% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Punta Gorda's median household income of $79,291 is above the county median ($50,868) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.1%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda 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 Punta Gorda
If you live in Punta Gorda 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 Punta Gorda have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 3,962 residents of Punta Gorda, Florida have at least one disability, representing 20.1% of the population of 19,681.
What is the most common disability type in Punta Gorda?
The most common type is hearing difficulty, affecting 1,826 residents (9.3%).
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 Punta Gorda?
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 Punta Gorda?
The median household income in Punta Gorda is $79,291.
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 Punta Gorda 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