Understanding Disability in Spokane County
Spokane County in Washington has a disability rate of 15.6%, which is 2.6 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 534,898, 83,621 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Spokane County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 37,108 residents (7.4% of the population).
The median household income is $73,513, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Spokane County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Spokane County, affecting 37,108 residents (7.4% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 24,701 | 4.6% |
| Vision difficulty | 13,406 | 2.5% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 36,616 | 7.3% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 37,108 | 7.4% |
| Self-care difficulty | 15,717 | 3.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 30,226 | 7.3% |
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- Average wait time: 231 days
- Initial approval rate: 41%
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Disability by Age Group
In Spokane County, 50.3% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 8.0% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 7,004 | 8.0% |
| 5 to 17 | 12,554 | 10.0% |
| 18 to 64 | 32,128 | 16.0% |
| 65 to 74 | 14,146 | 25.4% |
| 75 and over | 17,340 | 50.3% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 41,600 | 15.7% |
| Female | 42,021 | 15.5% |
Males in Spokane County have a higher disability rate (15.7%) compared to females (15.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Spokane County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 72,067 | 16.0% |
| Black or African American | 1,733 | 17.0% |
| Asian | 969 | 7.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 4,863 | 13.5% |
Income & Poverty in Spokane County
The median household income in Spokane County is $73,513, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Washington
Spokane County residents apply for SSDI through the Washington Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Washington Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 41% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 14% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 49% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 231 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Spokane 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 Washington, 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 Washington is 231 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 59% denial rate in Washington, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 49% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Spokane County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 15.6% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Spokane County has at least one disability, totaling 83,621 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Spokane County residents?
Spokane County residents apply through Washington's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 41%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 49%. Average processing takes 231 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Washington?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Washington is 231 days, longer than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Spokane County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Washington, 49% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Spokane County?
The median household income in Spokane County is $73,513, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Spokane County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Spokane County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Spokane 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