Types of Disabilities in Athens
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Athens, affecting 1,763 residents (7.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 378 | 1.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 317 | 1.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,763 | 7.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 702 | 3.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 208 | 0.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 761 | 3.6% |
Need Help Filing in Ohio?
- Average wait time: 136 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Athens, 48.1% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 120 | 8.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,613 | 10.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 641 | 15.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 180 | 22.2% |
| 75 and over | 246 | 48.1% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,266 | 11.0% |
| Female | 1,534 | 13.4% |
Women in Athens have a higher disability rate (13.4%) compared to men (11.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,487 | 12.9% |
| Black or African American | 101 | 10.4% |
| Asian | 30 | 2.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 85 | 10.4% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Athens's median household income of $37,059 is below the county median ($58,409) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.8%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Athens
Athens residents in Jackson County apply for SSDI through Ohio's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 39% |
| Hearing approval rate | 53% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 136 days |
With an initial approval rate of 39% in Ohio and an average wait of 136 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Ohio disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Athens
If you live in Athens 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 Athens have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,800 residents of Athens, Ohio have at least one disability, representing 12.2% of the population of 23,012.
What is the most common disability type in Athens?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,763 residents (7.8%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Ohio?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Ohio is approximately 39%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 53%. Average processing time is 136 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Athens?
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 Athens?
The median household income in Athens is $37,059.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Jackson 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 Athens 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