Types of Disabilities in Silver City
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Silver City, affecting 862 residents (9.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 498 | 5.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 611 | 6.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 862 | 9.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 828 | 9.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 267 | 3.0% |
| Independent living difficulty | 663 | 9.0% |
Need Help Filing in New Mexico?
- Average wait time: 214 days
- Initial approval rate: 34%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Silver City, 69.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 136 | 8.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 259 | 12.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 468 | 15.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 279 | 19.8% |
| 75 and over | 656 | 69.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,036 | 22.3% |
| Female | 762 | 15.8% |
Men in Silver City have a higher disability rate (22.3%) compared to women (15.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,231 | 19.4% |
| Black or African American | 14 | 21.2% |
| Asian | 11 | 4.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 766 | 17.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Silver City's median household income of $39,025 is below the county median ($58,333) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 14.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Silver City
Silver City residents in Valencia 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 Silver City
If you live in Silver City 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 Silver City have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,798 residents of Silver City, New Mexico have at least one disability, representing 19.0% of the population of 9,473.
What is the most common disability type in Silver City?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 862 residents (9.7%).
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 Silver City?
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 Silver City?
The median household income in Silver City is $39,025.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Valencia 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 Silver City 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