Types of Disabilities in San Diego
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in San Diego, affecting 600 residents (17.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 595 | 15.9% |
| Vision difficulty | 333 | 8.9% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 600 | 17.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 525 | 15.1% |
| Self-care difficulty | 190 | 5.5% |
| Independent living difficulty | 277 | 10.9% |
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 San Diego, 90.5% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 22.6% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 210 | 22.6% |
| 5 to 17 | 39 | 6.2% |
| 18 to 64 | 505 | 36.3% |
| 65 to 74 | 109 | 33.6% |
| 75 and over | 172 | 90.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 498 | 29.1% |
| Female | 537 | 26.3% |
Men in San Diego have a higher disability rate (29.1%) compared to women (26.3%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 867 | 27.7% |
| Black or African American | 0 | N/A |
| Asian | 0 | N/A |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,022 | 30.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
San Diego's median household income of $46,969 is below the county median ($54,810) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 20.4%, above the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in San Diego
San Diego residents in Hockley 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 San Diego
If you live in San Diego 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 San Diego have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 1,035 residents of San Diego, Texas have at least one disability, representing 27.6% of the population of 3,749.
What is the most common disability type in San Diego?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 600 residents (17.3%).
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 San Diego?
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 San Diego?
The median household income in San Diego is $46,969.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Hockley 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 San Diego 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