Types of Disabilities in Atlanta
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Atlanta, affecting 27,202 residents (5.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 9,633 | 2.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 13,006 | 2.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 25,013 | 5.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 27,202 | 5.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 10,207 | 2.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 18,245 | 4.5% |
Need Help Filing in Georgia?
- Average wait time: 434 days
- Initial approval rate: 36%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Atlanta, 47.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 4,401 | 7.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 11,974 | 7.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 21,274 | 12.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 8,284 | 22.9% |
| 75 and over | 10,894 | 47.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 26,565 | 11.2% |
| Female | 30,475 | 12.0% |
Women in Atlanta have a higher disability rate (12.0%) compared to men (11.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 13,172 | 6.7% |
| Black or African American | 38,948 | 17.0% |
| Asian | 1,206 | 4.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,056 | 6.8% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Atlanta's median household income of $81,938 is above the county median ($36,838) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 12.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Atlanta
Atlanta residents in Quitman 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 Atlanta
If you live in Atlanta 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 Atlanta have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 57,040 residents of Atlanta, Georgia have at least one disability, representing 11.6% of the population of 491,459.
What is the most common disability type in Atlanta?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 27,202 residents (5.8%).
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 Atlanta?
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 Atlanta?
The median household income in Atlanta is $81,938.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Quitman 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 Atlanta 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