Types of Disabilities in Lake Charles
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Lake Charles, affecting 6,578 residents (8.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 3,373 | 4.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,313 | 4.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,429 | 7.2% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 6,578 | 8.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 3,013 | 4.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 4,831 | 7.8% |
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- Average wait time: 329 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
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Disability by Age Group
In Lake Charles, 46.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 686 | 5.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,795 | 8.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 5,184 | 18.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,029 | 26.1% |
| 75 and over | 2,634 | 46.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,369 | 13.8% |
| Female | 6,959 | 16.9% |
Women in Lake Charles have a higher disability rate (16.9%) compared to men (13.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,828 | 15.3% |
| Black or African American | 5,434 | 15.8% |
| Asian | 138 | 6.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 310 | 8.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Lake Charles's median household income of $56,864 is above the county median ($38,035) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 16.2%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Lake Charles
Lake Charles residents in Lincoln Parish apply for SSDI through Louisiana's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 38% |
| Hearing approval rate | 54% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 329 days |
With an initial approval rate of 38% in Louisiana and an average wait of 329 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Louisiana disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Lake Charles
If you live in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 12,328 residents of Lake Charles, Louisiana have at least one disability, representing 15.4% of the population of 80,268.
What is the most common disability type in Lake Charles?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 6,578 residents (8.8%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Louisiana?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Louisiana is approximately 38%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 54%. Average processing time is 329 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Lake Charles?
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 Lake Charles?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $56,864.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lincoln Parish.
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 Lake Charles 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