Types of Disabilities in Grand Island
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Grand Island, affecting 3,080 residents (6.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,272 | 4.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,259 | 2.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,854 | 6.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,080 | 6.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,401 | 2.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,253 | 6.1% |
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- Average wait time: 159 days
- Initial approval rate: 49%
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Disability by Age Group
In Grand Island, 49.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 589 | 5.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 868 | 7.5% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,710 | 14.9% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,019 | 23.1% |
| 75 and over | 1,504 | 49.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,671 | 13.8% |
| Female | 3,019 | 11.8% |
Men in Grand Island have a higher disability rate (13.8%) compared to women (11.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,206 | 15.6% |
| Black or African American | 368 | 16.9% |
| Asian | 58 | 8.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,303 | 7.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Grand Island's median household income of $62,439 is below the county median ($67,500) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.1%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Grand Island
Grand Island residents in Perkins County apply for SSDI through Nebraska's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 49% |
| Hearing approval rate | 55% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 159 days |
With an initial approval rate of 49% in Nebraska and an average wait of 159 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Nebraska disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Grand Island
If you live in Grand Island 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 Grand Island have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 6,690 residents of Grand Island, Nebraska have at least one disability, representing 12.8% of the population of 52,152.
What is the most common disability type in Grand Island?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 3,080 residents (6.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Nebraska?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Nebraska is approximately 49%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 55%. Average processing time is 159 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Grand Island?
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 Grand Island?
The median household income in Grand Island is $62,439.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Perkins 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 Grand Island 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