Types of Disabilities in Box Elder
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Box Elder, affecting 495 residents (5.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 330 | 2.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 238 | 2.1% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 495 | 5.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 440 | 4.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 153 | 1.6% |
| Independent living difficulty | 359 | 4.6% |
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- Average wait time: 174 days
- Initial approval rate: 41%
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Disability by Age Group
In Box Elder, 63.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 7.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 167 | 7.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 229 | 6.1% |
| 18 to 64 | 505 | 15.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 176 | 34.4% |
| 75 and over | 147 | 63.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 641 | 12.3% |
| Female | 618 | 10.3% |
Men in Box Elder have a higher disability rate (12.3%) compared to women (10.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,121 | 12.6% |
| Black or African American | 27 | 13.5% |
| Asian | 0 | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 30 | 3.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Box Elder's median household income of $73,698 is above the county median ($72,054) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.0%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Box Elder
Box Elder residents in Hand County apply for SSDI through South Dakota's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 41% |
| Hearing approval rate | 52% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 174 days |
With an initial approval rate of 41% in South Dakota and an average wait of 174 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our South Dakota disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Box Elder
If you live in Box Elder 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 Box Elder have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,259 residents of Box Elder, South Dakota have at least one disability, representing 11.2% of the population of 11,198.
What is the most common disability type in Box Elder?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 495 residents (5.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in South Dakota?
The initial SSDI approval rate in South Dakota is approximately 41%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 52%. Average processing time is 174 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Box Elder?
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 Box Elder?
The median household income in Box Elder is $73,698.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Hand 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 Box Elder 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