Types of Disabilities in Altoona
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Altoona, affecting 3,930 residents (9.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,133 | 4.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 983 | 2.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 3,930 | 9.7% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,197 | 7.9% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,279 | 3.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,628 | 7.8% |
Need Help Filing in Pennsylvania?
- Average wait time: 129 days
- Initial approval rate: 39%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Altoona, 41.6% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.8% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 875 | 12.8% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,350 | 13.9% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,170 | 18.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,305 | 30.2% |
| 75 and over | 1,184 | 41.6% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 4,024 | 18.9% |
| Female | 3,860 | 17.7% |
Men in Altoona have a higher disability rate (18.9%) compared to women (17.7%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 7,313 | 18.9% |
| Black or African American | 169 | 11.8% |
| Asian | 22 | 9.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 12 | 1.6% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Altoona's median household income of $50,171 is below the county median ($61,992) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 13.9%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Altoona
Altoona residents in Columbia County apply for SSDI through Pennsylvania's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 39% |
| Hearing approval rate | 50% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 129 days |
With an initial approval rate of 39% in Pennsylvania and an average wait of 129 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Pennsylvania disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Altoona
If you live in Altoona 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 Altoona have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 7,884 residents of Altoona, Pennsylvania have at least one disability, representing 18.3% of the population of 43,125.
What is the most common disability type in Altoona?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 3,930 residents (9.7%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Pennsylvania?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Pennsylvania is approximately 39%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 50%. Average processing time is 129 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Altoona?
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 Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona is $50,171.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Columbia 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 Altoona 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