Types of Disabilities in Blacksburg
Cognitive difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Blacksburg, affecting 1,319 residents (3.0% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 662 | 1.5% |
| Vision difficulty | 561 | 1.2% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 1,319 | 3.0% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 964 | 2.2% |
| Self-care difficulty | 305 | 0.7% |
| Independent living difficulty | 957 | 2.4% |
Need Help Filing in Virginia?
- Average wait time: 189 days
- Initial approval rate: 42%
Not sure if you qualify? Check now →
Disability by Age Group
In Blacksburg, 26.5% 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 | 77 | 2.4% |
| 5 to 17 | 1,246 | 4.3% |
| 18 to 64 | 958 | 11.5% |
| 65 to 74 | 431 | 19.1% |
| 75 and over | 301 | 26.5% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,361 | 5.4% |
| Female | 1,666 | 8.3% |
Women in Blacksburg have a higher disability rate (8.3%) compared to men (5.4%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2,533 | 7.2% |
| Black or African American | 74 | 3.7% |
| Asian | 191 | 3.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 165 | 8.1% |
Note: Small sample sizes may produce volatile estimates. These are ACS 5-year estimates with margins of error.
Income & Poverty
Blacksburg's median household income of $48,070 is below the county median ($83,898) and below the national median ($78,538). The poverty rate is 8.6%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Social Security Benefits in Blacksburg
Blacksburg residents in Dinwiddie County apply for SSDI through Virginia's Disability Determination Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Initial approval rate | 42% |
| Hearing approval rate | 48% |
| Average wait time (initial) | 189 days |
With an initial approval rate of 42% in Virginia and an average wait of 189 days, a lot of people do better when they have a disability lawyer on their side. Check out our Virginia disability overview for more details.
How to Apply for SSDI in Blacksburg
If you live in Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg have a disability?
Based on 2023 Census data, 3,027 residents of Blacksburg, Virginia have at least one disability, representing 6.7% of the population of 45,071.
What is the most common disability type in Blacksburg?
The most common type is cognitive difficulty, affecting 1,319 residents (3.0%).
What is the SSDI approval rate in Virginia?
The initial SSDI approval rate in Virginia is approximately 42%. The hearing-level approval rate averages 48%. Average processing time is 189 days.
How do I apply for SSDI in Blacksburg?
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 Blacksburg?
The median household income in Blacksburg is $48,070.
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 Blacksburg 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