Types of Disabilities in Oak Ridge
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Oak Ridge, affecting 2,716 residents (9.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 1,521 | 4.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 881 | 2.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,716 | 9.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 2,609 | 8.6% |
| Self-care difficulty | 870 | 2.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,980 | 8.3% |
Need Help Filing in Tennessee?
- Average wait time: 206 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Oak Ridge, 53.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 12.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 761 | 12.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 823 | 12.8% |
| 18 to 64 | 2,145 | 18.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,068 | 30.5% |
| 75 and over | 1,259 | 53.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,201 | 20.5% |
| Female | 2,877 | 17.8% |
Men in Oak Ridge have a higher disability rate (20.5%) compared to women (17.8%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 5,348 | 20.8% |
| Black or African American | 431 | 21.6% |
| Asian | 36 | 4.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 163 | 7.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Oak Ridge's median household income of $71,000 is above the county median ($44,712) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 7.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge residents in Clay County apply for SSDI through Tennessee's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 40% |
| Hearing approval rate | 58% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 206 days |
With an initial approval rate of 40% in Tennessee and an average wait of 206 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Tennessee disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Oak Ridge
If you live in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 6,078 residents of Oak Ridge, Tennessee have at least one disability, representing 19.1% of the population of 31,771.
What is the most common disability type in Oak Ridge?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 2,716 residents (9.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Tennessee?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Tennessee is approximately 40%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 58%. Average processing time is 206 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Oak Ridge?
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 Oak Ridge?
The median household income in Oak Ridge is $71,000.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Clay 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 Oak Ridge 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