Types of Disabilities in Winston-Salem
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Winston-Salem, affecting 15,655 residents (6.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 5,929 | 2.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 6,172 | 2.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 13,577 | 5.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 15,655 | 6.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 6,329 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 10,890 | 5.8% |
Need Help Filing in North Carolina?
- Average wait time: 199 days
- Initial approval rate: 37%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Winston-Salem, 44.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 2,719 | 6.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 4,010 | 6.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 12,714 | 14.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 5,100 | 24.1% |
| 75 and over | 6,805 | 44.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 14,475 | 12.6% |
| Female | 16,923 | 12.7% |
Women in Winston-Salem have a higher disability rate (12.7%) compared to men (12.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 15,080 | 12.5% |
| Black or African American | 11,567 | 14.4% |
| Asian | 235 | 4.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 3,744 | 8.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Winston-Salem's median household income of $57,673 is below the county median ($61,224) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 13.0%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem residents in Perquimans 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 Winston-Salem
If you live in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 31,398 residents of Winston-Salem, North Carolina have at least one disability, representing 12.6% of the population of 248,373.
What is the most common disability type in Winston-Salem?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 15,655 residents (6.7%).
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 Winston-Salem?
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 Winston-Salem?
The median household income in Winston-Salem is $57,673.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Perquimans 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 Winston-Salem 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