Types of Disabilities in Sterling
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Sterling, affecting 1,223 residents (8.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 748 | 5.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 498 | 3.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,223 | 8.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,065 | 7.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 458 | 3.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,013 | 8.8% |
Need Help Filing in Illinois?
- Average wait time: 257 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Sterling, 52.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 134 | 6.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 299 | 9.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 894 | 17.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 545 | 30.1% |
| 75 and over | 687 | 52.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,573 | 21.3% |
| Female | 1,031 | 14.7% |
Men in Sterling have a higher disability rate (21.3%) compared to women (14.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,273 | 20.0% |
| Black or African American | 4 | 1.7% |
| Asian | 13 | 6.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 376 | 10.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Sterling's median household income of $52,647 is below the county median ($92,095) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 9.0%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Sterling
Sterling residents in Calhoun County apply for SSDI through Illinois's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 49% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 257 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in Illinois and an average wait of 257 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Illinois disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Sterling
If you live in Sterling 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 Sterling have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,604 residents of Sterling, Illinois have at least one disability, representing 18.1% of the population of 14,386.
What is the most common disability type in Sterling?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,223 residents (8.9%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Illinois?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Illinois is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 49%. Average processing time is 257 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Sterling?
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 Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling is $52,647.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Calhoun 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 Sterling 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