Types of Disabilities in Rapid City
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Rapid City, affecting 5,287 residents (7.6% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 3,476 | 4.7% |
| Vision difficulty | 2,139 | 2.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 5,139 | 7.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 5,287 | 7.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,983 | 2.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 3,781 | 6.6% |
Need Help Filing in South Dakota?
- Average wait time: 174 days
- Initial approval rate: 41%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Rapid City, 47.2% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 9.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,082 | 9.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,744 | 10.7% |
| 18 to 64 | 4,165 | 15.8% |
| 65 to 74 | 2,312 | 24.3% |
| 75 and over | 2,577 | 47.2% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 5,727 | 15.5% |
| Female | 6,201 | 16.7% |
Women in Rapid City have a higher disability rate (16.7%) compared to men (15.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 9,288 | 15.9% |
| Black or African American | 119 | 10.3% |
| Asian | 61 | 6.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 907 | 22.3% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Rapid City's median household income of $65,712 is above the county median ($61,169) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.8%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Rapid City
Rapid City residents in Lyman 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 Rapid City
If you live in Rapid City 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 Rapid City have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 11,928 residents of Rapid City, South Dakota have at least one disability, representing 16.1% of the population of 74,236.
What is the most common disability type in Rapid City?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 5,287 residents (7.6%).
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 Rapid City?
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 Rapid City?
The median household income in Rapid City is $65,712.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Lyman 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 Rapid City 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