Types of Disabilities in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), affecting 34,948 residents (5.5% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 17,009 | 2.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 16,195 | 2.4% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 30,232 | 4.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 34,948 | 5.5% |
| Self-care difficulty | 11,763 | 1.9% |
| Independent living difficulty | 23,235 | 4.3% |
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- Average wait time: 206 days
- Initial approval rate: 40%
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Disability by Age Group
In Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), 48.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 5,846 | 6.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 12,304 | 6.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 27,643 | 11.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 13,596 | 25.5% |
| 75 and over | 14,904 | 48.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 32,835 | 10.0% |
| Female | 41,967 | 12.0% |
Women in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) have a higher disability rate (12.0%) compared to men (10.0%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 42,744 | 11.1% |
| Black or African American | 23,391 | 13.6% |
| Asian | 1,815 | 7.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 6,591 | 7.0% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)'s median household income of $75,197 is above the county median ($62,337) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 10.3%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) residents in Shelby 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 Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
If you live in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) 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 Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 74,802 residents of Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance), Tennessee have at least one disability, representing 11.0% of the population of 678,579.
What is the most common disability type in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 34,948 residents (5.5%).
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 Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)?
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 Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)?
The median household income in Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) is $75,197.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Shelby 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 Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) 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