Types of Disabilities in McAlester
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in McAlester, affecting 1,909 residents (12.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,225 | 7.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 888 | 5.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,446 | 9.6% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,909 | 12.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 528 | 3.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,250 | 10.4% |
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- Average wait time: 198 days
- Initial approval rate: 31%
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Disability by Age Group
In McAlester, 66.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 298 | 9.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 511 | 13.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,344 | 23.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 588 | 41.7% |
| 75 and over | 821 | 66.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,776 | 22.7% |
| Female | 1,832 | 21.9% |
Men in McAlester have a higher disability rate (22.7%) compared to women (21.9%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,432 | 21.7% |
| Black or African American | 144 | 35.0% |
| Asian | 62 | 56.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 146 | 12.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
McAlester's median household income of $48,044 is below the county median ($60,482) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 17.5%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in McAlester
McAlester residents in Osage County apply for SSDI through Oklahoma's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 31% |
| Hearing approval rate | 62% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 198 days |
With an initial approval rate of 31% in Oklahoma and an average wait of 198 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Oklahoma disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in McAlester
If you live in McAlester 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 McAlester have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 3,608 residents of McAlester, Oklahoma have at least one disability, representing 22.3% of the population of 16,179.
What is the most common disability type in McAlester?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 1,909 residents (12.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Oklahoma?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Oklahoma is approximately 31%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 62%. Average processing time is 198 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in McAlester?
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 McAlester?
The median household income in McAlester is $48,044.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Osage County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for McAlester 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