Types of Disabilities in Bay St. Louis
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Bay St. Louis, affecting 682 residents (7.2% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 483 | 4.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 388 | 4.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 667 | 7.1% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 682 | 7.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 182 | 1.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 412 | 5.0% |
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- Average wait time: 350 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Bay St. Louis, 43.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 105 | 8.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 66 | 5.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 700 | 15.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 409 | 25.1% |
| 75 and over | 389 | 43.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 877 | 18.6% |
| Female | 792 | 15.7% |
Men in Bay St. Louis have a higher disability rate (18.6%) compared to women (15.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,528 | 20.5% |
| Black or African American | 114 | 8.0% |
| Asian | 4 | 2.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 39 | 9.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Bay St. Louis's median household income of $70,082 is above the county median ($35,741) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 11.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis residents in Sharkey County apply for SSDI through Mississippi's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 34% |
| Hearing approval rate | 51% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 350 days |
With an initial approval rate of 34% in Mississippi and an average wait of 350 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Mississippi disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Bay St. Louis
If you live in Bay St. Louis 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 Bay St. Louis have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,669 residents of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi have at least one disability, representing 17.1% of the population of 9,773.
What is the most common disability type in Bay St. Louis?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 682 residents (7.2%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Mississippi?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Mississippi is approximately 34%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 51%. Average processing time is 350 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Bay St. Louis?
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 Bay St. Louis?
The median household income in Bay St. Louis is $70,082.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Sharkey 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 Bay St. Louis 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