Understanding Disability in St. Louis County
St. Louis County in Minnesota has a disability rate of 15.0%, which is 2.0 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 197,006, 29,590 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in St. Louis County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 12,445 residents (6.6% of the population).
The median household income is $69,455, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in St. Louis County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in St. Louis County, affecting 12,445 residents (6.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 9,338 | 4.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 4,506 | 2.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 12,445 | 6.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 11,989 | 6.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 4,414 | 2.4% |
| Independent living difficulty | 10,327 | 6.5% |
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- Average wait time: 180 days
- Initial approval rate: 45%
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Disability by Age Group
In St. Louis County, 45.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,108 | 7.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 4,637 | 9.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 10,718 | 14.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 5,103 | 20.6% |
| 75 and over | 6,966 | 45.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 15,919 | 16.1% |
| Female | 13,671 | 13.9% |
Males in St. Louis County have a higher disability rate (16.1%) compared to females (13.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in St. Louis County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 26,319 | 14.7% |
| Black or African American | 527 | 18.1% |
| Asian | 167 | 8.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 331 | 9.0% |
Income & Poverty in St. Louis County
The median household income in St. Louis County is $69,455, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.5%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.7%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Minnesota
St. Louis County residents apply for SSDI through the Minnesota Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Minnesota Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 45% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 11% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 49% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 180 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in St. Louis County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Minnesota, where only 45% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Minnesota is 180 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 55% denial rate in Minnesota, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 49% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in St. Louis County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 15.0% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in St. Louis County has at least one disability, totaling 29,590 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for St. Louis County residents?
St. Louis County residents apply through Minnesota's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 45%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 49%. Average processing takes 180 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Minnesota?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Minnesota is 180 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in St. Louis County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Minnesota, 49% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in St. Louis County?
The median household income in St. Louis County is $69,455, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in St. Louis County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within St. Louis County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for St. Louis County 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