Understanding Disability in Grand Forks County
Grand Forks County in North Dakota has a disability rate of 9.5%, which is 3.5 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 70,508, 6,690 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Grand Forks County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,864 residents (4.3% of the population).
The median household income is $68,450, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Grand Forks County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Grand Forks County, affecting 2,864 residents (4.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,032 | 2.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,230 | 1.7% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,864 | 4.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,601 | 3.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,099 | 1.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,993 | 3.6% |
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- Average wait time: 236 days
- Initial approval rate: 43%
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Disability by Age Group
In Grand Forks County, 36.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 582 | 5.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,583 | 6.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,976 | 9.2% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,126 | 19.5% |
| 75 and over | 1,399 | 36.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,495 | 9.7% |
| Female | 3,195 | 9.2% |
Males in Grand Forks County have a higher disability rate (9.7%) compared to females (9.2%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Grand Forks County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,587 | 9.4% |
| Black or African American | 160 | 6.5% |
| Asian | 123 | 6.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 320 | 8.9% |
Income & Poverty in Grand Forks County
The median household income in Grand Forks County is $68,450, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 1.9%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in North Dakota
Grand Forks County residents apply for SSDI through the North Dakota Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | North Dakota Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 43% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 17% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 52% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 236 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Grand Forks County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In North Dakota, where only 43% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in North Dakota is 236 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 57% denial rate in North Dakota, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 52% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Grand Forks County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 9.5% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Grand Forks County has at least one disability, totaling 6,690 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Grand Forks County residents?
Grand Forks County residents apply through North Dakota's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 43%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 52%. Average processing takes 236 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in North Dakota?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in North Dakota is 236 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Grand Forks County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In North Dakota, 52% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Grand Forks County?
The median household income in Grand Forks County is $68,450, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Grand Forks County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Grand Forks County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Grand Forks County 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