Types of Disabilities in Baton Rouge
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Baton Rouge, affecting 16,634 residents (8.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 7,431 | 3.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 11,504 | 5.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 14,069 | 6.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 16,634 | 8.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 5,721 | 2.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 10,459 | 6.0% |
Need Help Filing in Louisiana?
- Average wait time: 329 days
- Initial approval rate: 38%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Baton Rouge, 49.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,769 | 8.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 6,581 | 8.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 14,080 | 19.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 6,261 | 34.0% |
| 75 and over | 6,203 | 49.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 15,898 | 15.2% |
| Female | 20,296 | 17.4% |
Women in Baton Rouge have a higher disability rate (17.4%) compared to men (15.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 11,244 | 14.0% |
| Black or African American | 20,943 | 18.5% |
| Asian | 593 | 7.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,461 | 10.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Baton Rouge's median household income of $49,944 is below the county median ($53,394) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 18.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge residents in St. Martin 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 Baton Rouge
If you live in Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 36,194 residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana have at least one disability, representing 16.3% of the population of 221,506.
What is the most common disability type in Baton Rouge?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 16,634 residents (8.0%).
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 Baton Rouge?
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 Baton Rouge?
The median household income in Baton Rouge is $49,944.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in St. Martin 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 Baton Rouge 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