Understanding Disability in Pulaski County
Pulaski County in Missouri has a disability rate of 17.4%, which is 4.4 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 40,529, 7,061 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Pulaski County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 3,197 residents (8.7% of the population).
The median household income is $66,435, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Pulaski County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Pulaski County, affecting 3,197 residents (8.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,180 | 5.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,525 | 3.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 3,197 | 8.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,895 | 7.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,290 | 3.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,230 | 7.7% |
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- Average wait time: 161 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
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Disability by Age Group
In Pulaski County, 57.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 739 | 9.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 698 | 6.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,294 | 24.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,143 | 37.9% |
| 75 and over | 1,161 | 57.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,573 | 17.5% |
| Female | 3,488 | 17.4% |
Males in Pulaski County have a higher disability rate (17.5%) compared to females (17.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Pulaski County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,338 | 17.0% |
| Black or African American | 629 | 22.6% |
| Asian | 179 | 21.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 377 | 11.3% |
Income & Poverty in Pulaski County
The median household income in Pulaski County is $66,435, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.3%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Missouri
Pulaski County residents apply for SSDI through the Missouri Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Missouri Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 42% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 47% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 161 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Pulaski 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 Missouri, where only 42% 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 Missouri is 161 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 58% denial rate in Missouri, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 47% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Pulaski County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 17.4% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Pulaski County has at least one disability, totaling 7,061 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Pulaski County residents?
Pulaski County residents apply through Missouri's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 42%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 47%. Average processing takes 161 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Missouri?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Missouri is 161 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Pulaski County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Missouri, 47% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Pulaski County?
The median household income in Pulaski County is $66,435, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Pulaski County
City-level data for Pulaski County is coming soon.
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 Pulaski 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