Types of Disabilities in Mason City
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Mason City, affecting 1,534 residents (6.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,258 | 4.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 507 | 1.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,341 | 5.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,534 | 6.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 427 | 1.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 958 | 4.5% |
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 Mason City, 42.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 2.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 102 | 2.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 374 | 6.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,403 | 14.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 968 | 27.8% |
| 75 and over | 981 | 42.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,069 | 15.8% |
| Female | 1,759 | 12.9% |
Men in Mason City have a higher disability rate (15.8%) compared to women (12.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,543 | 15.0% |
| Black or African American | 97 | 10.7% |
| Asian | 3 | 0.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 132 | 7.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Mason City's median household income of $62,369 is below the county median ($74,721) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Mason City
Mason City residents in Johnson 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 Mason City
If you live in Mason City 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 Mason City have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 3,828 residents of Mason City, Iowa have at least one disability, representing 14.3% of the population of 26,688.
What is the most common disability type in Mason City?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,534 residents (6.0%).
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 Mason City?
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 Mason City?
The median household income in Mason City is $62,369.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Johnson 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 Mason City 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