Types of Disabilities in St. Helens
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in St. Helens, affecting 1,353 residents (10.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 595 | 4.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 259 | 1.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,353 | 10.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,202 | 9.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 630 | 4.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,134 | 10.6% |
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- Average wait time: 284 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
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Disability by Age Group
In St. Helens, 52.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 16.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 372 | 16.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 482 | 14.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,134 | 21.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 322 | 26.4% |
| 75 and over | 430 | 52.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,076 | 15.1% |
| Female | 1,671 | 24.6% |
Women in St. Helens have a higher disability rate (24.6%) compared to men (15.1%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,360 | 20.1% |
| Black or African American | 0 | 0.0% |
| Asian | 5 | 10.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 241 | 19.2% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
St. Helens's median household income of $82,123 is above the county median ($73,051) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 5.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in St. Helens
St. Helens residents in Jefferson County apply for SSDI through Oregon's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 44% |
| Hearing approval rate | 59% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 284 days |
With an initial approval rate of 44% in Oregon and an average wait of 284 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Oregon disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in St. Helens
If you live in St. Helens 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 St. Helens have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,747 residents of St. Helens, Oregon have at least one disability, representing 19.7% of the population of 13,915.
What is the most common disability type in St. Helens?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,353 residents (10.4%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Oregon?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Oregon is approximately 44%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 59%. Average processing time is 284 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in St. Helens?
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 St. Helens?
The median household income in St. Helens is $82,123.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Jefferson 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 St. Helens 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