Understanding Disability in Des Moines County
Des Moines County in Iowa has a disability rate of 16.5%, which is 3.5 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 38,153, 6,305 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Des Moines County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 3,144 residents (8.7% of the population).
The median household income is $60,662, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Des Moines County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Des Moines County, affecting 3,144 residents (8.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,173 | 5.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,381 | 3.6% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,430 | 6.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,144 | 8.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,081 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,973 | 6.6% |
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- Average wait time: 148 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
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Disability by Age Group
In Des Moines County, 51.5% 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 | 491 | 7.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 697 | 9.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,275 | 15.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,161 | 24.3% |
| 75 and over | 1,609 | 51.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,141 | 16.7% |
| Female | 3,164 | 16.3% |
Males in Des Moines County have a higher disability rate (16.7%) compared to females (16.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Des Moines County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,895 | 17.9% |
| Black or African American | 201 | 12.6% |
| Asian | 13 | 3.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 157 | 11.7% |
Income & Poverty in Des Moines County
The median household income in Des Moines County is $60,662, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.4%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 1.9%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Iowa
Des Moines County residents apply for SSDI through the Iowa Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Iowa Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 44% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 14% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 57% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 148 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Des Moines 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 Iowa, where only 44% 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 Iowa is 148 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 56% denial rate in Iowa, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 57% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Des Moines County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 16.5% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Des Moines County has at least one disability, totaling 6,305 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Des Moines County residents?
Des Moines County residents apply through Iowa's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 44%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 57%. Average processing takes 148 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Iowa?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Iowa is 148 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Des Moines County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Iowa, 57% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Des Moines County?
The median household income in Des Moines County is $60,662, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Des Moines County
City-level data for Des Moines County is coming soon.
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 Des Moines 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