Types of Disabilities in Bowling Green
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Bowling Green, affecting 5,899 residents (8.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,990 | 2.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,491 | 2.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,899 | 8.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,936 | 5.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,538 | 2.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 3,669 | 6.6% |
Need Help Filing in Kentucky?
- Average wait time: 132 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Bowling Green, 41.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 11.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,315 | 11.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,606 | 9.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,883 | 18.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,462 | 32.5% |
| 75 and over | 1,291 | 41.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,036 | 14.0% |
| Female | 5,560 | 15.2% |
Women in Bowling Green have a higher disability rate (15.2%) compared to men (14.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 7,627 | 15.6% |
| Black or African American | 1,349 | 14.5% |
| Asian | 510 | 9.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,066 | 13.6% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Bowling Green's median household income of $48,419 is above the county median ($48,367) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 17.2%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Bowling Green
Bowling Green residents in Rockcastle County apply for SSDI through Kentucky's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 34% |
| Hearing approval rate | 51% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 132 days |
With an initial approval rate of 34% in Kentucky and an average wait of 132 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Kentucky disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Bowling Green
If you live in Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 10,596 residents of Bowling Green, Kentucky have at least one disability, representing 14.6% of the population of 72,558.
What is the most common disability type in Bowling Green?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 5,899 residents (8.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Kentucky?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Kentucky is approximately 34%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 51%. Average processing time is 132 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Bowling Green?
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 Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green is $48,419.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Rockcastle 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 Bowling Green 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