Types of Disabilities in Watauga
Independent living difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Watauga, affecting 1,201 residents (6.7% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 737 | 3.2% |
| Vision difficulty | 409 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,067 | 4.9% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 1,037 | 4.7% |
| Self-care difficulty | 386 | 1.8% |
| Independent living difficulty | 1,201 | 6.7% |
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- Average wait time: 380 days
- Initial approval rate: 35%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Watauga, 49.0% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 2.4% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 96 | 2.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 525 | 9.1% |
| 18 to 64 | 1,143 | 12.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 558 | 25.9% |
| 75 and over | 459 | 49.0% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,383 | 11.6% |
| Female | 1,409 | 12.4% |
Women in Watauga have a higher disability rate (12.4%) compared to men (11.6%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1,922 | 13.6% |
| Black or African American | 197 | 8.3% |
| Asian | 108 | 9.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 479 | 7.7% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Watauga's median household income of $91,669 is above the county median ($58,016) and above the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 8.5%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Watauga
Watauga residents in Refugio 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 Watauga
If you live in Watauga 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 Watauga have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 2,792 residents of Watauga, Texas have at least one disability, representing 12.0% of the population of 23,230.
What is the most common disability type in Watauga?
The most common type is independent living difficulty, affecting 1,201 residents (6.7%).
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 Watauga?
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 Watauga?
The median household income in Watauga is $91,669.
Nearby Cities - Disability Data
Explore disability statistics for other cities in Refugio 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 Watauga 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