Types of Disabilities in Asheville
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Asheville, affecting 6,080 residents (6.9% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 3,192 | 3.4% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,760 | 1.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,025 | 5.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 6,080 | 6.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,351 | 2.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 5,716 | 7.4% |
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 Asheville, 44.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 3.5% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 399 | 3.5% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,027 | 8.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 4,646 | 12.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,918 | 19.4% |
| 75 and over | 3,223 | 44.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,169 | 11.5% |
| Female | 7,044 | 14.7% |
Women in Asheville have a higher disability rate (14.7%) compared to men (11.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 9,819 | 13.2% |
| Black or African American | 1,517 | 17.0% |
| Asian | 146 | 12.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 217 | 3.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Asheville's median household income of $67,221 is above the county median ($46,943) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Asheville
Asheville residents in Vance 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 Asheville
If you live in Asheville 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 Asheville have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 12,213 residents of Asheville, North Carolina have at least one disability, representing 13.2% of the population of 92,724.
What is the most common disability type in Asheville?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 6,080 residents (6.9%).
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 Asheville?
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 Asheville?
The median household income in Asheville is $67,221.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Vance 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 Asheville 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