Types of Disabilities in Ruidoso Downs
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Ruidoso Downs, affecting 313 residents (12.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 286 | 10.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 72 | 2.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 168 | 6.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 313 | 12.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 95 | 3.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 169 | 8.2% |
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- Average wait time: 214 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
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Disability by Age Group
In Ruidoso Downs, 71.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 13.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 54 | 13.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 166 | 22.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 112 | 17.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 121 | 28.2% |
| 75 and over | 178 | 71.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 323 | 26.9% |
| Female | 308 | 21.5% |
Men in Ruidoso Downs have a higher disability rate (26.9%) compared to women (21.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 375 | 27.5% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 319 | 20.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Ruidoso Downs's median household income of $31,413 is below the county median ($53,901) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 20.7%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Ruidoso Downs
Ruidoso Downs residents in Rio Arriba County apply for SSDI through New Mexico's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 34% |
| Hearing approval rate | 46% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 214 days |
With an initial approval rate of 34% in New Mexico and an average wait of 214 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our New Mexico disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Ruidoso Downs
If you live in Ruidoso Downs 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 Ruidoso Downs have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 631 residents of Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico have at least one disability, representing 24.0% of the population of 2,629.
What is the most common disability type in Ruidoso Downs?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 313 residents (12.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in New Mexico?
The initial SSDI approval rate in New Mexico is approximately 34%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 46%. Average processing time is 214 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Ruidoso Downs?
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 Ruidoso Downs?
The median household income in Ruidoso Downs is $31,413.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Rio Arriba County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Ruidoso Downs 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