Types of Disabilities in Des Moines
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Des Moines, affecting 13,094 residents (6.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 7,899 | 3.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 5,344 | 2.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 13,094 | 6.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 13,063 | 6.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 4,143 | 2.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 9,371 | 5.8% |
Need Help Filing in Iowa?
- Average wait time: 148 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
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Disability by Age Group
In Des Moines, 46.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,768 | 8.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 5,518 | 9.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 12,742 | 16.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 4,628 | 28.5% |
| 75 and over | 4,379 | 46.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 14,949 | 14.3% |
| Female | 15,148 | 14.2% |
Men in Des Moines have a higher disability rate (14.3%) compared to women (14.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 22,784 | 16.2% |
| Black or African American | 3,034 | 11.9% |
| Asian | 982 | 7.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2,874 | 8.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Des Moines's median household income of $63,966 is above the county median ($59,803) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 11.1%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Des Moines
Des Moines residents in Lee 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 Des Moines
If you live in Des Moines 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 Des Moines have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 30,097 residents of Des Moines, Iowa have at least one disability, representing 14.3% of the population of 210,873.
What is the most common disability type in Des Moines?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 13,094 residents (6.7%).
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 Des Moines?
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 Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines is $63,966.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lee 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 Des Moines 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