Types of Disabilities in Cedar Falls
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Cedar Falls, affecting 1,925 residents (5.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,506 | 3.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 505 | 1.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,925 | 5.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,344 | 3.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 460 | 1.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,096 | 3.3% |
Need Help Filing in Iowa?
- Average wait time: 148 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Cedar Falls, 38.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 235 | 4.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,330 | 8.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,046 | 9.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 664 | 18.7% |
| 75 and over | 1,103 | 38.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,729 | 9.0% |
| Female | 2,649 | 12.7% |
Women in Cedar Falls have a higher disability rate (12.7%) compared to men (9.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,950 | 10.7% |
| Black or African American | 21 | 3.4% |
| Asian | 110 | 7.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 178 | 15.8% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Cedar Falls's median household income of $74,165 is above the county median ($64,478) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 5.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls residents in Cherokee County apply for SSDI through Iowa's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 44% |
| Hearing approval rate | 57% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 148 days |
With an initial approval rate of 44% in Iowa and an average wait of 148 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Iowa disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Cedar Falls
If you live in Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 4,378 residents of Cedar Falls, Iowa have at least one disability, representing 10.9% of the population of 40,215.
What is the most common disability type in Cedar Falls?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,925 residents (5.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Iowa?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Iowa is approximately 44%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 57%. Average processing time is 148 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Cedar Falls?
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 Cedar Falls?
The median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Cherokee 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 Cedar Falls 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