Types of Disabilities in Spruce Pine
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Spruce Pine, affecting 239 residents (11.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 175 | 7.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 115 | 5.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 239 | 11.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 223 | 10.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 112 | 5.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 216 | 11.5% |
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- Average wait time: 199 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
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Disability by Age Group
In Spruce Pine, 67.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.3% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 24 | 8.3% |
| 5 to 17 | 46 | 8.4% |
| 18 to 64 | 132 | 15.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 117 | 48.8% |
| 75 and over | 144 | 67.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 226 | 20.0% |
| Female | 246 | 21.0% |
Women in Spruce Pine have a higher disability rate (21.0%) compared to men (20.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 465 | 23.7% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 23 | 8.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Spruce Pine's median household income of $47,583 is below the county median ($79,838) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 12.8%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Spruce Pine
Spruce Pine residents in Johnston County apply for SSDI through North Carolina's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 37% |
| Hearing approval rate | 62% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 199 days |
With an initial approval rate of 37% in North Carolina and an average wait of 199 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our North Carolina disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Spruce Pine
If you live in Spruce Pine 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 Spruce Pine have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 472 residents of Spruce Pine, North Carolina have at least one disability, representing 20.5% of the population of 2,302.
What is the most common disability type in Spruce Pine?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 239 residents (11.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in North Carolina?
The initial SSDI approval rate in North Carolina is approximately 37%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 62%. Average processing time is 199 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Spruce Pine?
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 Spruce Pine?
The median household income in Spruce Pine is $47,583.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Johnston 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 Spruce Pine 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