Types of Disabilities in Charleston
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Charleston, affecting 6,763 residents (4.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 4,586 | 3.1% |
| Vision difficulty | 2,636 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,605 | 3.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 6,763 | 4.8% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,522 | 1.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 4,685 | 3.8% |
Need Help Filing in South Carolina?
- Average wait time: 452 days
- Initial approval rate: 43%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Charleston, 46.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.1% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 771 | 4.1% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,123 | 4.6% |
| 18 to 64 | 4,496 | 8.4% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,655 | 18.5% |
| 75 and over | 4,424 | 46.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 6,671 | 9.4% |
| Female | 7,890 | 10.0% |
Women in Charleston have a higher disability rate (10.0%) compared to men (9.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 9,145 | 8.4% |
| Black or African American | 4,209 | 16.1% |
| Asian | 96 | 3.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 560 | 6.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Charleston's median household income of $90,038 is above the county median ($41,200) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 6.3%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Charleston
Charleston residents in Union 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 Charleston
If you live in Charleston 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 Charleston have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 14,561 residents of Charleston, South Carolina have at least one disability, representing 9.7% of the population of 149,976.
What is the most common disability type in Charleston?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 6,763 residents (4.8%).
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 Charleston?
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 Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston is $90,038.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Union 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 Charleston 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