Types of Disabilities in Houston
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Houston, affecting 465 residents (21.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 167 | 7.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 112 | 4.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 465 | 21.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 246 | 11.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 34 | 1.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 186 | 10.1% |
Need Help Filing in Missouri?
- Average wait time: 161 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Houston, 67.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 20.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 66 | 20.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 164 | 24.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 266 | 32.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 93 | 55.0% |
| 75 and over | 129 | 67.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 323 | 31.8% |
| Female | 395 | 30.9% |
Men in Houston have a higher disability rate (31.8%) compared to women (30.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 623 | 30.4% |
| Black or African American | 2 | 28.6% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 18 | 36.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Houston's median household income of $41,250 is below the county median ($59,423) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 20.6%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Houston
Houston residents in Buchanan County apply for SSDI through Missouri's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 42% |
| Hearing approval rate | 47% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 161 days |
With an initial approval rate of 42% in Missouri and an average wait of 161 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Missouri disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Houston
If you live in Houston 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 Houston have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 718 residents of Houston, Missouri have at least one disability, representing 31.3% of the population of 2,295.
What is the most common disability type in Houston?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 465 residents (21.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Missouri?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Missouri is approximately 42%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 47%. Average processing time is 161 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Houston?
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 Houston?
The median household income in Houston is $41,250.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Buchanan 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 Houston 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