Understanding Disability in Wallowa County
Wallowa County in Oregon has a disability rate of 19.6%, which is 6.6 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 7,474, 1,465 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Wallowa County is hearing difficulty, affecting 696 residents (9.3% of the population).
The median household income is $65,559, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Wallowa County
Hearing difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Wallowa County, affecting 696 residents (9.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 696 | 9.3% |
| Vision difficulty | 290 | 3.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 544 | 7.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 550 | 7.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 229 | 3.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 478 | 8.0% |
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- Average wait time: 284 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
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Disability by Age Group
In Wallowa County, 49.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 10.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 119 | 10.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 59 | 5.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 531 | 18.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 341 | 26.3% |
| 75 and over | 415 | 49.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 798 | 21.8% |
| Female | 667 | 17.5% |
Males in Wallowa County have a higher disability rate (21.8%) compared to females (17.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Wallowa County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,340 | 19.9% |
| Black or African American | 21 | 22.8% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 37 | 12.4% |
Income & Poverty in Wallowa County
The median household income in Wallowa County is $65,559, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.9%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Oregon
Wallowa County residents apply for SSDI through the Oregon Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Oregon Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 44% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 16% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 59% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 284 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Wallowa 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 Oregon, where only 44% 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 Oregon is 284 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 56% denial rate in Oregon, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 59% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Wallowa County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 19.6% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Wallowa County has at least one disability, totaling 1,465 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Wallowa County residents?
Wallowa County residents apply through Oregon's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 44%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 59%. Average processing takes 284 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Oregon?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Oregon is 284 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Wallowa County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Oregon, 59% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Wallowa County?
The median household income in Wallowa County is $65,559, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Wallowa County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Wallowa County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Wallowa 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