Types of Disabilities in Great Falls
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Great Falls, affecting 4,272 residents (7.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 3,075 | 5.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,724 | 3.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 4,195 | 7.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 4,272 | 7.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,509 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 3,375 | 7.4% |
Need Help Filing in Montana?
- Average wait time: 217 days
- Initial approval rate: 47%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Great Falls, 42.7% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 850 | 8.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,291 | 10.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,954 | 18.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,717 | 26.6% |
| 75 and over | 2,202 | 42.7% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 4,685 | 16.5% |
| Female | 5,375 | 18.0% |
Women in Great Falls have a higher disability rate (18.0%) compared to men (16.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 8,641 | 17.5% |
| Black or African American | 22 | 3.4% |
| Asian | 90 | 16.3% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 373 | 12.9% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Great Falls's median household income of $63,934 is above the county median ($61,965) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Great Falls
Great Falls residents in Lake County apply for SSDI through Montana's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 47% |
| Hearing approval rate | 53% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 217 days |
With an initial approval rate of 47% in Montana and an average wait of 217 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Montana disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Great Falls
If you live in Great Falls 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 Great Falls have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 10,060 residents of Great Falls, Montana have at least one disability, representing 17.3% of the population of 58,209.
What is the most common disability type in Great Falls?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 4,272 residents (7.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Montana?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Montana is approximately 47%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 53%. Average processing time is 217 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Great Falls?
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 Great Falls?
The median household income in Great Falls is $63,934.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lake 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 Great Falls 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