Understanding Disability in Waupaca County
Waupaca County in Wisconsin has a disability rate of 14.6%, which is 1.6 percentage points above the national average of 13.0%. Out of the county's total population of 50,600, 7,370 people report at least one disability.
The most common disability type in Waupaca County is ambulatory difficulty, affecting 3,514 residents (7.3% of the population).
The median household income is $71,189, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.7%, below the national average of 8.7%.
Types of Disabilities in Waupaca County
Ambulatory difficulty is the most prevalent disability type in Waupaca County, affecting 3,514 residents (7.3% of the population). People may report more than one disability type.
| Disability Type | Population | % of Total Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing difficulty | 2,534 | 5.0% |
| Vision difficulty | 936 | 1.8% |
| Cognitive difficulty | 2,601 | 5.4% |
| Ambulatory difficulty | 3,514 | 7.3% |
| Self-care difficulty | 1,015 | 2.1% |
| Independent living difficulty | 2,463 | 6.1% |
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- Average wait time: 203 days
- Initial approval rate: 44%
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Disability by Age Group
In Waupaca County, 44.4% of residents age 75 and over report a disability, compared to 4.7% among those under 5.
| Age Group | With Disability | Disability Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 371 | 4.7% |
| 5 to 17 | 776 | 8.5% |
| 18 to 64 | 3,074 | 14.6% |
| 65 to 74 | 1,441 | 23.3% |
| 75 and over | 1,704 | 44.4% |
Disability by Sex
| Sex | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,981 | 15.6% |
| Female | 3,389 | 13.5% |
Males in Waupaca County have a higher disability rate (15.6%) compared to females (13.5%).
Disability by Race & Ethnicity
Disability rates vary across racial and ethnic groups in Waupaca County.
| Race / Ethnicity | With Disability | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,875 | 14.5% |
| Black or African American | 24 | 8.8% |
| Asian | 70 | 35.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 180 | 9.4% |
Income & Poverty in Waupaca County
The median household income in Waupaca County is $71,189, below the national median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.7%, below the national average of 8.7%. The unemployment rate stands at 2.0%. For people with disabilities, economic challenges are often amplified.
SSDI in Wisconsin
Waupaca County residents apply for SSDI through the Wisconsin Disability Determination Services. Here are the current approval rates and processing times.
| Stage | Wisconsin Rate | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | 44% | 38% |
| Reconsideration | 21% | ~14% |
| Hearing (ALJ) | 52% | 56% |
| Average Wait (Initial) | 203 days | 227 days |
How to Apply for SSDI in Waupaca 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 Wisconsin, where only 44% 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 Wisconsin is 203 days.
Step 4: If Denied, Appeal Promptly
With a 56% denial rate in Wisconsin, many applicants will need to appeal. You have 60 days to request reconsideration. At the hearing level, 52% of cases are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the disability rate in Waupaca County?
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, 14.6% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in Waupaca County has at least one disability, totaling 7,370 residents. This is above the national average of 13.0%.
What is the SSDI approval rate for Waupaca County residents?
Waupaca County residents apply through Wisconsin's Disability Determination Services. The initial approval rate is approximately 44%, with a hearing-level approval rate of 52%. Average processing takes 203 days.
How long does it take to get SSDI in Wisconsin?
The average processing time for initial SSDI applications in Wisconsin is 203 days, shorter than the national average of 227 days.
What should I do if my SSDI claim was denied in Waupaca County?
If denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. In Wisconsin, 52% of cases are approved at the hearing level. Working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances.
What is the median income in Waupaca County?
The median household income in Waupaca County is $71,189, below the national median of $78,538.
Cities & Towns in Waupaca County
Explore disability data for individual cities and towns within Waupaca County.
Check If You Qualify for Disability Benefits
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Sources & Methodology
All data for Waupaca 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