Types of Disabilities in Hilton Head Island
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Hilton Head Island, affecting 2,407 residents (6.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,078 | 5.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 1,225 | 3.3% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,663 | 4.5% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,407 | 6.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 774 | 2.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,105 | 6.4% |
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- Average wait time: 452 days
- Initial approval rate: 43%
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Disability by Age Group
In Hilton Head Island, 42.8% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 156 | 4.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 223 | 5.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,258 | 9.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,102 | 14.5% |
| 75 and over | 3,018 | 42.8% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,781 | 14.8% |
| Female | 2,976 | 15.9% |
Women in Hilton Head Island have a higher disability rate (15.9%) compared to men (14.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 4,474 | 15.4% |
| Black or African American | 391 | 16.8% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 894 | 15.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Hilton Head Island's median household income of $96,715 is above the county median ($44,145) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 6.2%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island residents in Lee County apply for SSDI through South Carolina's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 43% |
| Hearing approval rate | 60% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 452 days |
With an initial approval rate of 43% in South Carolina and an average wait of 452 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our South Carolina disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Hilton Head Island
If you live in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 5,757 residents of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina have at least one disability, representing 15.3% of the population of 37,591.
What is the most common disability type in Hilton Head Island?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 2,407 residents (6.6%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in South Carolina?
The initial SSDI approval rate in South Carolina is approximately 43%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 60%. Average processing time is 452 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Hilton Head Island?
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 Hilton Head Island?
The median household income in Hilton Head Island is $96,715.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lee County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Hilton Head Island 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