Understanding Disability in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County in Florida has a disability rate of 15.4%, which is 2.4 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 183,538, 28,301 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Santa Rosa County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 13,937 residents (8.0% of the population).
The median household income is $88,968, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Santa Rosa County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Santa Rosa County, affecting 13,937 residents (8.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 7,889 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 4,142 | 2.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 11,226 | 6.5% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 13,937 | 8.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 4,758 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 9,812 | 7.0% |
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- Average wait time: 343 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Santa Rosa County, 52.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,213 | 6.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 3,210 | 9.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 11,676 | 15.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 5,047 | 25.3% |
| 75 and over | 5,961 | 52.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 14,447 | 16.1% |
| Female | 13,854 | 14.8% |
Males in Santa Rosa County have a higher disability rate (16.1%) compared to females (14.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Santa Rosa County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 23,967 | 15.8% |
| Black or African American | 977 | 12.2% |
| Asian | 862 | 21.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,162 | 10.0% |
Income & Poverty in Santa Rosa County
The median household income in Santa Rosa County is $88,968, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.3%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.5%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Florida
Santa Rosa County residents apply for SSDI through the Florida Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Florida Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 40% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 15% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 56% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 343 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Santa Rosa 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 Florida, where only 40% 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 Florida is 343 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 60% denial rate in Florida, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 56% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Santa Rosa County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 15.4% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Santa Rosa County has at least one disability, totaling 28,301 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Santa Rosa County residents?
Santa Rosa County residents apply through Florida's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 40%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 56%. Average processing takes 343 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Florida?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Florida is 343 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Santa Rosa County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Florida, 56% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Santa Rosa County?
The median household income in Santa Rosa County is $88,968, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Santa Rosa County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Santa Rosa County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Santa Rosa 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