Types of Disabilities in Waco
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Waco, affecting 9,091 residents (7.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 3,870 | 2.8% |
| Vision difficulty | 3,837 | 2.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 6,958 | 5.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 9,091 | 7.0% |
| Self-care difficulty | 2,786 | 2.2% |
| Independent living difficulty | 5,314 | 5.0% |
Need Help Filing in Texas?
- Average wait time: 380 days
- Initial approval rate: 35%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Waco, 49.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 6.9% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 1,598 | 6.9% |
| 5 to 17 | 2,616 | 5.5% |
| 18 to 64 | 6,173 | 15.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 3,543 | 33.5% |
| 75 and over | 3,570 | 49.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 8,389 | 12.6% |
| Female | 9,215 | 12.7% |
Women in Waco have a higher disability rate (12.7%) compared to men (12.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 9,492 | 12.7% |
| Black or African American | 4,579 | 16.2% |
| Asian | 94 | 3.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 4,088 | 9.8% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Waco's median household income of $51,468 is below the county median ($85,827) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 15.2%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Waco
Waco residents in Hays County apply for SSDI through Texas's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 35% |
| Hearing approval rate | 50% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 380 days |
With an initial approval rate of 35% in Texas and an average wait of 380 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Texas disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Waco
If you live in Waco 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 Waco have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 17,604 residents of Waco, Texas have at least one disability, representing 12.7% of the population of 139,059.
What is the most common disability type in Waco?
The most common type is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 9,091 residents (7.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Texas?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Texas is approximately 35%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 50%. Average processing time is 380 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Waco?
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 Waco?
The median household income in Waco is $51,468.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Hays 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 Waco 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