Understanding Disability in Utah County
Utah County in Utah has a disability rate of 8.6%, which is 4.4 percentage points below the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 680,492, 58,487 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Utah County is cognitive difficulty, affecting 29,598 residents (4.8% of the population).
The median household income is $96,877, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Utah County
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Utah County, affecting 29,598 residents (4.8% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 14,032 | 2.1% |
| Vision difficulty | 8,322 | 1.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 29,598 | 4.8% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 19,591 | 3.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 7,131 | 1.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 18,336 | 4.0% |
Need Help Filing in Utah?
- Average wait time: 270 days
- Initial approval rate: 41%
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Disability by Age Group
In Utah County, 46.9% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 5.2% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 8,252 | 5.2% |
| 5 to 17 | 16,124 | 7.5% |
| 18 to 64 | 17,447 | 9.1% |
| 65 to 74 | 6,861 | 21.3% |
| 75 and over | 9,657 | 46.9% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 30,271 | 8.8% |
| Female | 28,216 | 8.4% |
Males in Utah County have a higher disability rate (8.8%) compared to females (8.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Utah County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 50,425 | 8.8% |
| Black or African American | 336 | 7.6% |
| Asian | 896 | 8.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7,014 | 7.4% |
Income & Poverty in Utah County
The median household income in Utah County is $96,877, above the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 5.7%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.5%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Utah
Utah County residents apply for SSDI through the Utah Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Utah Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 41% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 11% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 47% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 270 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Utah County
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits and have a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity. In 2024, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
Strong medical documentation is critical. In Utah, where only 41% of initial claims are approved, thorough evidence makes the difference.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. The average processing time in Utah is 270 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 59% denial rate in Utah, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 47% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Utah County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 8.6% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Utah County has at least one disability, totaling 58,487 residents. This is below the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Utah County residents?
Utah County residents apply through Utah's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 41%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 47%. Average processing takes 270 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Utah?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Utah is 270 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Utah County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Utah, 47% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Utah County?
The median household income in Utah County is $96,877, above the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Utah County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Utah 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 Utah County 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