Types of Disabilities in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), affecting 7,205 residents (6.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,844 | 2.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,456 | 2.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 7,205 | 6.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 6,399 | 5.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,979 | 1.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 4,859 | 4.6% |
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- Average wait time: 434 days
- Initial approval rate: 36%
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Disability by Age Group
In Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), 43.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,178 | 7.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 3,713 | 7.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 5,414 | 14.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,624 | 28.2% |
| 75 and over | 2,426 | 43.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 6,554 | 11.0% |
| Female | 8,882 | 13.4% |
Women in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) have a higher disability rate (13.4%) compared to men (11.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 7,825 | 10.8% |
| Black or African American | 5,746 | 17.5% |
| Asian | 343 | 6.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,417 | 9.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)'s median household income of $51,655 is below the county median ($59,013) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 12.7%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) residents in Liberty County apply for SSDI through Georgia's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 36% |
| Hearing approval rate | 53% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 434 days |
With an initial approval rate of 36% in Georgia and an average wait of 434 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Georgia disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)
If you live in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) 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 Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 15,436 residents of Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia have at least one disability, representing 12.2% of the population of 126,081.
What is the most common disability type in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 7,205 residents (6.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Georgia?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Georgia is approximately 36%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 53%. Average processing time is 434 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)?
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 Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) is $51,655.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Liberty 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 Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) 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