Understanding Disability in Steele County
Steele County in North Dakota has a disability rate of 10.6%, which is 2.4 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 1,731, 184 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Steele County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 76 residents (4.7% of the population).
The median household income is $80,313, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.5%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Steele County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Steele County, affecting 76 residents (4.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 75 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 17 | 1.0% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 58 | 3.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 76 | 4.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 21 | 1.3% |
| Independent living difficulty | 52 | 3.8% |
Need Help Filing in North Dakota?
- Average wait time: 236 days
- Initial approval rate: 43%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Steele County, 23.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 11 | 4.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 12 | 4.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 68 | 11.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 28 | 12.3% |
| 75 and over | 65 | 23.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 109 | 12.3% |
| Female | 75 | 8.9% |
Males in Steele County have a higher disability rate (12.3%) compared to females (8.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Steele County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 166 | 10.2% |
| Black or African American | 5 | 100.0% |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7 | 15.6% |
Income & Poverty in Steele County
The median household income in Steele County is $80,313, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.5%, above the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.1%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in North Dakota
Steele 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 Steele 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 Steele County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 10.6% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Steele County has at least one disability, totaling 184 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Steele County residents?
Steele 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 Steele 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 Steele County?
The median household income in Steele County is $80,313, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Steele County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Steele 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 Steele 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