Types of Disabilities in Brainerd
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Brainerd, affecting 1,464 residents (11.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 878 | 6.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 396 | 2.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,464 | 11.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,365 | 10.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 509 | 4.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,141 | 10.4% |
Need Help Filing in Minnesota?
- Average wait time: 180 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Brainerd, 53.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 126 | 6.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 588 | 15.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,089 | 23.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 418 | 32.8% |
| 75 and over | 588 | 53.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,397 | 21.3% |
| Female | 1,412 | 19.0% |
Men in Brainerd have a higher disability rate (21.3%) compared to women (19.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,628 | 20.5% |
| Black or African American | 24 | 11.7% |
| Asian | 2 | 2.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 86 | 22.5% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Brainerd's median household income of $53,705 is below the county median ($96,339) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 13.5%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Brainerd
Brainerd residents in Hennepin County apply for SSDI through Minnesota's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 45% |
| Hearing approval rate | 49% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 180 days |
With an initial approval rate of 45% in Minnesota and an average wait of 180 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Minnesota disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Brainerd
If you live in Brainerd 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 Brainerd have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,809 residents of Brainerd, Minnesota have at least one disability, representing 20.0% of the population of 14,010.
What is the most common disability type in Brainerd?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,464 residents (11.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Minnesota?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Minnesota is approximately 45%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 49%. Average processing time is 180 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Brainerd?
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 Brainerd?
The median household income in Brainerd is $53,705.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Hennepin 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 Brainerd 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