2019 Disability Status Report: Colorado

Table of Contents

The 2019 Annual Disability Status Report

The Annual Disability Status Reports provide policy makers, disability advocates, reporters, and the public with a summary of the most recent demographic and economic statistics on the non-institutionalized population with disabilities. They contain information on the population size and disability prevalence for various demographic subpopulations, as well as statistics related to employment, earnings, household income, veterans' service-connected disability and health insurance. Comparisons are made to people without disabilities and across disability types. Disability Status Reports and other statistics are available for the United States overall, each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico at www.disabilitystatistics.org.

The Status Reports primarily look at the working-age population because the employment gap between people with and without disabilities is a major focus of government programs and advocacy efforts. Employment is also a key factor in the social integration and economic self-sufficiency of working-age people with disabilities.

The information in this report is based on data from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) - a survey sent each year to a random sample of over 3.5 million households. For more information see the Census Bureau's ACS website http://www.census.gov/acs/www/ and our Guide to Disability Statistics from the American Community Survey (2008 Forward): http://disabilitystatistics.org/sources.cfm.

The estimates in these reports are based on responses from a sample of the population and may differ from actual population values because of sampling variability and other factors. Differences observed between the estimates for two or more groups may not be statistically significant.

http://www.census.gov/people/disability/methodology/acs.html

 

Suggested Citation

Erickson, W. Lee, C., & von Schrader, S. (2023). 2019 Disability Status Report: Colorado. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Yang Tan Institute on Employment and Disability (YTI).

We would like to thank Sara VanLooy, Jason Criss, and Joe Williams for their assistance with editing and production of this document.

ACS Disability Questions

There is no single accepted definition of disability. Different definitions and disability questions may identify different populations with disabilities and result in larger or smaller estimates.

Below are the six questions used in the ACS to identify persons with disabilities. Note that the Census Bureau refers to each of the individual types as "difficulty" while in this report the term "disability" is used.

  • Hearing Disability (asked of all ages):
    • Is this person deaf or does he/she have serious difficulty hearing?
  • Visual Disability (asked of all ages):
    • Is this person blind or does he/she have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?
  • Cognitive Disability (asked of persons ages 5 or older):
    • Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?
  • Ambulatory Disability (asked of persons ages 5 or older):
    • Does this person have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?
  • Self-Care Disability (asked of persons ages 5 or older):
    • Does this person have difficulty dressing or bathing?
  • Independent Living Disability (asked of persons ages 15 or older):
    • Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor's office or shopping?

Note:

  • The "Any Disability" category used in this report includes persons who reported one or more of the individual disability types.
  • Respondents could report more than one disability type.
  • Some disability questions were not asked of children.
  • A separate set of survey questions identify veterans with service-connected disabilities. Based on a separate set of survey questions, this report includes estimates related to veterans' service-connected disability
    (see page 51).

 

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Notes

Spanish Language Reports: Spanish language versions of the Annual Disability Status Reports for the US, all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. can be downloaded at the same location as the English Status Reports. The Spanish translation was made possible through funding from the Northeast ADA Center and NIDILRR.

Puerto Rico: A Puerto Rico Disability Status Report, based on the parallel 2019 Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS), is available again this year in English as well as Spanish. However, please note that the Puerto Rico sample is not included in any U.S. population estimates included in these reports.

Group Quarters: In 2006, the ACS began surveying the group quarters population. We include the non-institutionalized group quarters population, but due to small state level sample sizes exclude the institutionalized group quarters population (see glossary) in the Disability Status Reports.

Margin of Error (MOE): As in previous years' reports we provide the 90% MOE to better illustrate sampling variability. See the glossary entry for more information on this topic.

Glossary: As in previous years, we provide a comprehensive glossary at the back of this report defining the terms used in the Disability Status Report (see glossary).

Note: According to the Census Bureau, estimates based on the ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) file such as those included in this report may differ slightly from the ACS summary tables produced by the Census Bureau, because they are subject to additional sampling error and further data processing operations. Please see http://www.disabilitystatistics.org/faq.cfm#Q4 for further information.

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Colorado Summary

These statistics indicate the social and economic status of non-institutionalized people with disabilities in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS).

Age: In 2019, the prevalence of disability in CO was:

  • 10.5 percent for persons of all ages
  • 1.1 percent for persons ages 4 and under
  • 4.5 percent for persons ages 5 to 15
  • 6.1 percent for persons ages 16 to 20
  • 8.5 percent for persons ages 21 to 64
  • 21.3 percent for persons ages 65 to 74
  • 45.5 percent for persons ages 75+

Disability Type: In 2019, the prevalence of the six disability types among persons of all ages in CO was:

  • 1.9% reported a Visual Disability
  • 3.5% reported a Hearing Disability
  • 5% reported an Ambulatory Disability
  • 4.2% reported a Cognitive Disability
  • 1.8% reported a Self-Care Disability
  • 4.2% reported an Independent Living Disability

Gender: In 2019, 10.2 percent of females of all ages and 10.8 percent of males of all ages in CO reported a disability.

Hispanic/Latino: In 2019, the prevalence of disability among persons of all ages of Hispanic or Latino origin in CO was 9.3 percent.

Race: In CO in 2019, the prevalence of disability for working-age people (ages 21 to 64) was:

  • 8.2 percent among Whites
  • 12.1 percent among Black / African Americans
  • 4.3 percent among Asians
  • 21.8 percent among Native Americans
  • 9.9 percent among persons of some other race(s)

Employment: In 2019, the employment rate of working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in CO was 47.9 percent.

Looking for Work: In CO in 2019, the percentage actively looking for work among people with disabilities who were not working was 10.6 percent.

Full-Time/Full-Year Employment: In CO in 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year was 30.5 percent.

Annual Earnings: In 2019, the median annual earnings of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year in CO was $47,500.

Annual Household Income: In CO in 2019, the median annual income of households with working-age people with disabilities was $62,600.

Poverty: In CO in 2019, the poverty rate of working-age people with disabilities was 20.6 percent.

Supplemental Security Income: In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving SSI payments in CO was 12.8 percent.

Educational Attainment: In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities in CO:

  • with only a high school diploma or equivalent was 30.5 percent
  • with only some college or an associate degree was 37.3 percent
  • with a bachelor's degree or more was 22.1 percent.

Veterans Service-Connected Disability: In 2019, the percentage of working-age civilian veterans with a VA determined Service-Connected Disability was 35.3 percent in CO.

Health Insurance Coverage: In 2019 in CO, 91.9 percent of working-age people with disabilities had health insurance.

Prevalence: Ages 21 - 64

This summary lists percentages by state of non-institutionalized working-age (ages 21 to 64) people with disabilities using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). The US disability prevalence rate for this population was 10.5%

Location 2019 (%) Location 2019 (%)
Alabama 14.7 Montana 10.3
Alaska 10.5 Nebraska 9.9
Arizona 10.7 Nevada 9.7
Arkansas 16.1 New Hampshire 10.4
California 8.0 New Jersey 7.7
Colorado 8.5 New Mexico 14.1
Connecticut 9.5 New York 9.1
Delaware 11.8 North Carolina 11.1
District of Columbia 10.0 North Dakota 9.4
Florida 10.3 Ohio 12.0
Georgia 11.0 Oklahoma 14.4
Hawaii 8.0 Oregon 12.0
Idaho 11.9 Pennsylvania 12.0
Illinois 9.2 Puerto Rico 16.6
Indiana 11.9 Rhode Island 11.1
Iowa 9.9 South Carolina 12.3
Kansas 12.4 South Dakota 10.3
Kentucky 16.7 Tennessee 13.4
Louisiana 14.2 Texas 9.7
Maine 14.2 Utah 7.9
Maryland 9.0 Vermont 12.0
Massachusetts 8.7 Virginia 9.7
Michigan 12.4 Washington 10.4
Minnesota 8.8 West Virginia 17.6
Mississippi 15.5 Wisconsin 9.9
Missouri 13.1 Wyoming 12.0
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Employment: Ages 21 - 64

This summary lists employment rates by state of non-institutionalized working-age (ages 21 to 64) people with disabilities using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). The employment rate in the US for this population was 39.2% for people with disabilities and 80.7% for people without disabilities.

Location People with Disabilities 2019 People without Disabilities 2019 Location People with Disabilities 2019 People without Disabilities 2019
Alabama 33.3 76.7 Montana 46.3 81.5
Alaska 40.5 76.5 Nebraska 52.4 87.3
Arizona 39.4 78.3 Nevada 39.3 79.2
Arkansas 33.0 79.7 New Hampshire 44.4 85.0
California 38.7 78.7 New Jersey 40.6 81.9
Colorado 47.9 83.2 New Mexico 36.0 76.9
Connecticut 43.5 82.2 New York 35.5 80.7
Delaware 42.2 81.9 North Carolina 35.9 80.1
District of Columbia 33.2 83.8 North Dakota 57.8 87.7
Florida 36.5 79.7 Ohio 39.7 81.6
Georgia 36.3 79.7 Oklahoma 40.0 79.2
Hawaii 40.5 82.7 Oregon 45.1 79.9
Idaho 43.4 81.0 Pennsylvania 38.9 81.8
Illinois 39.0 81.5 Puerto Rico 24.0 59.8
Indiana 40.0 81.8 Rhode Island 35.3 83.7
Iowa 46.5 85.4 South Carolina 34.6 79.4
Kansas 44.7 84.5 South Dakota 51.8 86.3
Kentucky 32.8 78.6 Tennessee 35.5 80.1
Louisiana 35.3 76.3 Texas 42.6 79.7
Maine 36.2 83.6 Utah 50.8 82.3
Maryland 44.4 83.2 Vermont 43.2 85.3
Massachusetts 41.4 84.1 Virginia 44.0 82.6
Michigan 36.1 80.1 Washington 42.8 81.4
Minnesota 48.1 86.6 West Virginia 31.5 74.7
Mississippi 31.4 76.3 Wisconsin 43.1 84.9
Missouri 37.1 82.1 Wyoming 51.4 81.6
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Prevalence

All Ages

Prevalence: All Ages 10.5%

Introduction

This section addresses the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people of all ages in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability of all ages in CO was 10.5 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 600,300 of the 5,698,600 individuals of all ages in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for "Ambulatory Disability," 5 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 1.8 percent.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people of all ages in Colorado in 2019*

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 10.5 0.29 600,300 16,800 5,698,600 56,136
Visual 1.9 3.29 108,300 7,470 5,698,600 56,136
Hearing 3.5 0.18 198,800 10,040 5,698,600 56,136
Ambulatory 5 0.21 267,100 11,560 5,370,900 53,373
Cognitive 4.2 0.20 224,300 10,640 5,370,900 53,373
Self-Care 1.8 3.29 95,500 7,020 5,370,900 53,373
Independent Living 4.2 0.21 196,500 9,980 4,665,000 46,827

* Note: Children under the age of five were only asked about Vision and Hearing disabilities. The Independent Living disability question was only asked of persons aged 16 years old and older.

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Prevalence

Ages 4 years and under

Prevalence: Ages 4 and under 1.1%

Introduction

This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized children ages 4 and under in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). Only the two sensory disability questions were asked of this population. For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of children with a visual and/or hearing disability ages 0 to 4 in CO was 1.1 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 3,500 of the 327,700 children ages 0 to 4 in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, 0.6 percent reported a visual disability
  • In CO in 2019, 0.6 percent reported a hearing disability

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 4 and under in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 1.1 3.29 3,500 1,350 327,700 2,763
Visual 0.6 3.29 2,100 1,050 327,700 2,763
Hearing 0.6 3.29 1,800 980 327,700 2,763
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Prevalence

Ages 5 to 15 years

Prevalence: Ages 5 to 15 years 4.5%

Introduction

This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized children ages 5 to 15 in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS)*. For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of children with a disability ages 5 to 15 in CO was 4.5 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 35,200 of the 780,900 individuals ages 5 to 15 in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, among the five types of disabilities* identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for "Cognitive Disability," 3.3 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Ambulatory Disability," 0.6 percent.

Prevalence of disability* among non-institutionalized people ages 5 to 15 in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 4.5 0.54 35,200 4,290 780,900 7,261
Visual 0.7 3.29 5,800 1,740 780,900 7,261
Hearing 0.7 3.29 5,800 1,750 780,900 7,261
Ambulatory 0.6 3.29 4,500 1,530 780,900 7,261
Cognitive 3.3 0.46 25,500 3,650 780,900 7,261
Self-Care 0.9 3.29 6,800 1,890 780,900 7,261

* Note: The "Independent Living Disability" question was not asked of children ages 15 years and younger.

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Prevalence

Ages 16 to 20 years

Prevalence: Ages 16 to 20 years 6.1%

Introduction

This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 16 to 20 in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 16 to 20 in CO was 6.1 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 22,300 of the 364,400 individuals ages 16 to 20 in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for "Cognitive Disability," 4.4 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 0.3 percent.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 16 to 20 in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 6.1 0.91 22,300 3,420 364,400 3,470
Visual 0.9 3.29 3,300 1,310 364,400 3,470
Hearing 0.5 3.29 1,900 1,000 364,400 3,470
Ambulatory 0.6 3.29 2,300 1,110 364,400 3,470
Cognitive 4.4 0.78 16,200 2,910 364,400 3,470
Self-Care 0.3 3.29 1,100 770 364,400 3,470
Independent Living 2.6 0.60 9,500 2,230 364,400 3,470
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Prevalence

Ages 21 to 64 years

Prevalence: Ages 21 to 64 years 8.5%

Introduction

This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of working age people (ages 21 to 64) with a disability in CO was 8.5 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 287,200 of the 3,394,400 individuals ages 21 to 64 in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for "Cognitive Disability," 3.8 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was "Self-Care Disability," 1.2 percent.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 21 to 64 in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 8.5 0.35 287,200 11,970 3,394,400 32,346
Visual 1.6 3.29 54,300 5,310 3,394,400 32,346
Hearing 2.1 0.18 70,500 6,050 3,394,400 32,346
Ambulatory 3.4 0.23 115,400 7,710 3,394,400 32,346
Cognitive 3.8 0.24 127,800 8,100 3,394,400 32,346
Self-Care 1.2 3.29 41,200 4,640 3,394,400 32,346
Independent Living 2.8 0.21 95,200 7,010 3,394,400 32,346
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Prevalence

Ages 65 to 74 years

Prevalence: Ages 65 to 74 years 21.3%

Introduction

This section explores the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 65 to 74 in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 65 to 74 in CO was 21.3 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 111,100 of the 521,400 individuals ages 65 to 74 in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for "Ambulatory Disability," 11.2 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Visual Disability," 3.2 percent.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 65 to 74 in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 21.3 1.30 111,100 7,570 521,400 6,560
Visual 3.2 0.56 16,900 2,980 521,400 6,560
Hearing 9.5 0.93 49,400 5,070 521,400 6,560
Ambulatory 11.2 1 58,300 5,510 521,400 6,560
Cognitive 4.3 0.65 22,600 3,440 521,400 6,560
Self-Care 3.2 0.55 16,500 2,940 521,400 6,560
Independent Living 5.9 0.75 30,600 4,000 521,400 6,560
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Prevalence

Ages 75 and Older

Prevalence: Ages 75 and Older 45.5%

Introduction

This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 75 and older in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 75 and older in CO was 45.5 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 140,900 of the 309,800 individuals ages 75 and older in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for "Ambulatory Disability," 27.9 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Visual Disability," 8.4 percent.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 75 and older in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Any Disability 45.5 2.05 140,900 8,500 309,800 3,736
Visual 8.4 1.14 26,000 3,680 309,800 3,736
Hearing 22.4 1.72 69,300 6,000 309,800 3,736
Ambulatory 27.9 1.85 86,500 6,690 309,800 3,736
Cognitive 10.4 1.26 32,300 4,100 309,800 3,736
Self-Care 9.6 1.21 29,900 3,950 309,800 3,736
Independent Living 19.5 1.63 60,400 5,600 309,800 3,736
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Prevalence

Gender and Age

Prevalence: Males All Ages 10.8%
Prevalence: Female All Ages 10.2%

Introduction

This section examines the prevalence of disability among people by gender and age group in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS)*. For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In CO in 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of males with a disability of all ages was 10.8 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 310,700 of the 2,864,400 males of all ages in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of females with a disability of all ages was 10.2 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 289,600 of the 2,834,300 females of all ages in CO reported one or more disabilities.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people by gender and age group in Colorado in 2019

Gender & Age Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Males
Males: All Ages 10.8 0.42 310,700 12,420 2,864,400 27,874
Males: Ages 4 and under 1.7 3.29 2,800 1,210 167,700 1,405
Males: Ages 5-15 5.9 0.85 23,900 3,530 404,200 3,753
Males: Ages 16-20 6.5 1.30 12,300 2,530 189,400 1,805
Males: Ages 21-64 8.7 0.49 150,600 8,770 1,722,300 16,025
Males: Ages 65-74 24.3 1.97 60,500 5,610 249,200 3,216
Males: Ages 75+ 46.2 3.15 60,700 5,620 131,500 1,670
Females
Females: All Ages 10.2 0.41 289,600 12,020 2,834,300 28,262
Females: Ages 4 and under 0.4 3.29 700 600 160,000 1,358
Females: Ages 5-15 3 0.64 11,400 2,440 376,700 3,508
Females: Ages 16-20 5.7 1.27 10,000 2,290 175,000 1,665
Females: Ages 21-64 8.2 0.49 136,600 8,370 1,672,100 16,321
Females: Ages 65-74 18.6 1.71 50,700 5,140 272,200 3,344
Females: Ages 75+ 45 2.70 80,200 6,440 178,400 2,066

* Note: Children ages 0-4 were only asked about visual and hearing disabilities, children ages 5-15 were not asked the "Independent Living Disability" question.

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Prevalence

Hispanic/Latino Origin and Age

Prevalence: Hispanic All Ages 9.3%
Prevalence: Non-Hispanic All Ages 10.9%

Introduction

This section examines the prevalence of disability among people by Hispanic/Latino origin and age group in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS)*. For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In CO in 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of disability among people of Hispanic/Latino origin of all ages was 9.3 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 115,500 of the 1,240,900 people of Hispanic/Latino origin of all ages in CO reported one or more disabilities.
  • In CO in 2019, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of disability among people of non-Hispanic/Latino origin of all ages was 10.9 percent.
  • In other words, in 2019, 484,800 of the 4,457,700 people of non-Hispanic/Latino origin of all ages in CO reported one or more disabilities.

* Note: Children ages 0-4 were only asked about visual and hearing disabilities, children age 5-15 were not asked the "Independent Living Disability" question.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people by Hispanic / Latino origin and age group in Colorado in 2019

Hispanic/Latino Origin & Age Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
Hispanic
Hispanic - All Ages 9.3 0.60 115,500 7,710 1,240,900 8,743
Hispanic - Ages 4 and under 1.7 3.29 1,700 960 104,300 644
Hispanic - Ages 5-15 5 1.01 12,200 2,530 243,800 1,671
Hispanic - Ages 16-20 5.1 1.52 5,600 1,720 110,300 847
Hispanic - Ages 21-64 9 0.79 62,600 5,700 692,900 4,701
Hispanic - Ages 65-74 27.4 4.23 16,000 2,900 58,500 564
Hispanic - Ages 75+ 55.3 6.45 17,200 3,000 31,100 316
Non-Hispanic
Non-Hispanic - All Ages 10.9 0.34 484,800 15,270 4,457,700 47,393
Non-Hispanic - Ages 4 and under 0.8 3.29 1,700 950 223,400 2,119
Non-Hispanic - Ages 5-15 4.3 0.63 23,000 3,470 537,100 5,590
Non-Hispanic - Ages 16-20 6.6 1.13 16,700 2,950 254,100 2,623
Non-Hispanic - Ages 21-64 8.3 0.38 224,600 10,650 2,701,500 27,645
Non-Hispanic - Ages 65-74 20.5 1.36 95,100 7,010 463,000 5,996
Non-Hispanic - Ages 75+ 44.4 2.16 123,700 7,970 278,700 3,420

* Note: Children ages 0-4 were only asked about visual and hearing disabilities, children ages 5-15 were not asked the "Independent Living Disability" question.

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Prevalence

Race

Introduction

This section presents the disability prevalence rate among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by race category in CO, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

In 2019, among working-age people in CO:

  • 8.2 percent of persons who were White reported a disability.
  • 12.1 percent of persons who were Black/African American reported a disability.
  • 21.8 percent of persons who were Native American reported a disability.
  • 4.3 percent of persons who were Asian reported a disability.
  • 9.9 percent of persons who were some other race(s) reported a disability.

Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by race in Colorado in 2019

Race Percent MOE Number MOE Base Population Sample Size
White 8.2 0.37 234,300 10,860 2,858,200 28,240
Black/African American 12.1 1.98 17,100 2,990 141,800 867
Native American or
Alaska Native		 21.8 5.30 6,900 1,910 31,900 269
Asian 4.3 1.31 5,500 1,690 126,700 1,192
Some other race(s) 9.9 1.41 23,400 3,500 235,700 1,778
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Employment

Employment: with disability 47.9%
Employment: without disability 83.2%

Introduction

This section examines the employment rates of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the employment rate of working-age people with disabilities in CO was 47.9 percent.
  • In 2019, the employment rate of working-age people without disabilities in CO was 83.2 percent.
  • The gap between the employment rates of working-age people with and without disabilities was 35.3 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest employment rate was for people with a "Hearing Disability," 64.2 percent. The lowest employment rate was for people with a "Self-Care Disability," 17.2 percent.

Employment of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 83.2 0.49 2,584,700 27,230 3,107,200 29,540
Any Disability 47.9 2.14 137,600 8,400 287,200 2,806
Visual 49.9 4.92 27,100 3,760 54,300 490
Hearing 64.2 4.14 45,200 4,850 70,500 718
Ambulatory 31.1 3.12 35,900 4,330 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 40 3.14 51,200 5,160 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 17.2 4.26 7,100 1,930 41,200 401
Independent Living 22.8 3.12 21,700 3,370 95,200 943
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Not Working but Actively Looking for Work

Actively Looking: with disability 10.6%
Actively Looking: without disability 14.9%

Introduction

This section focuses on the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Colorado who are not working but actively looking for work, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019 in CO, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities who were not working but actively looking for work was 10.6 percent.
  • In 2019 in CO, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities who were not working but actively looking for work was 14.9 percent.
  • The difference in the percentage not working but actively looking for work between working-age people with and without disabilities was 4.3 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage of not working but actively looking for work was for people with a "Cognitive Disability," 9.9 percent. The lowest percentage was for people with a "Hearing Disability," 5.6 percent.

Percentage who are not working but actively looking for work among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 14.9 1.13 77,600 6,340 522,500 5,053
Any Disability 10.6 1.82 15,800 2,880 149,600 1,482
Visual 8.6 3.90 2,300 1,110 27,200 250
Hearing 5.6 3.31 1,400 860 25,300 249
Ambulatory 7.5 2.14 6,000 1,770 79,500 786
Cognitive 9.9 2.47 7,600 1,990 76,600 755
Self-Care 6.2 2.99 2,100 1,050 34,100 339
Independent Living 7.7 2.25 5,700 1,730 73,500 736
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Full-Time / Full-Year Employment

FT / FY Employment: with disability 30.5%
FT / FY Employment: without disability 63.6%

Introduction

This section presents the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities working full-time/full-year in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year in CO was 30.5 percent.
  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities working full-time/full-year in CO was 63.6 percent.
  • The difference in the percentage working full-time/full-year between working-age people with and without disabilities was 33.1 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest full-time/full-year employment rate was for people with "Hearing Disability," 50.4 percent. The lowest full-time/full-year employment rate was for people with "Self-Care Disability," 8.7 percent.

Full-Time/Full-Year employment of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 63.6 0.63 1,974,600 26,100 3,107,200 29,540
Any Disability 30.5 1.97 87,500 6,730 287,200 2,806
Visual 33.1 4.63 18,000 3,070 54,300 490
Hearing 50.4 4.32 35,500 4,310 70,500 718
Ambulatory 16.8 2.52 19,400 3,190 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 22.2 2.66 28,300 3,850 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 8.7 3.18 3,600 1,370 41,200 401
Independent Living 10.4 2.27 9,900 2,280 95,200 943
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Annual Earnings (Full-Time / Full-Year workers)

Earnings: with disability $47,500
Earnings: without disability $55,600

Introduction

This section examines the median annual earnings of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities who work full-time/full-year in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the median earnings of working-age people with disabilities who worked full-time/full-year in CO was $47,500.
  • In 2019, the median earnings of working-age people without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year in CO was $55,600.
  • The difference in the median earnings between working-age people with and without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year was $8,100.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest annual earnings was for people with "Hearing Disability," $55,600. The lowest annual earnings was for people with "Visual Disability," $40,400.

Median annual earnings of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) who work full-time/full-year by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Median Earnings MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability $55,600 $880 1,975,000 18,606
Any Disability $47,500 $3,690 88,000 843
Visual $40,400 $7,490 18,000 158
Hearing $55,600 $6,450 36,000 363
Ambulatory $42,400 $8,360 19,000 187
Cognitive $41,400 $5,900 28,000 250
Self-Care $42,400† $16,150 4,000 29
Independent Living $45,500 $11,220 10,000 84

† Caution: Estimate based on small sample size (less than 40 individuals).

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Annual Household Income

Household Income: with disability $62,600
Household Income: without disability $88,900

Introduction

This section illustrates the median annual income* of households that include any working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the median income of households that include any working-age people with disabilities in CO was $62,600.
  • In 2019, the median income of households that do not include any working-age people with disabilities in CO was $88,900.
  • The difference in the median income between households including and not including working-age people with disabilities was $26,300.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest median income was for households including persons with a "Hearing Disability," $70,700. The lowest median income was for households containing persons with a "Self-Care Disability" $48,600.

* Note: Household income is not available for persons living in group quarters.

Median annual income* of households including any working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Median H.H. Income MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability $88,900 $1,830 1,574,000 15,382
Any Disability $62,600 4,000 237,000 2,384
Visual $54,000 8,180 48,000 442
Hearing $70,700 8,100 65,000 667
Ambulatory $49,900 5,780 102,000 1,001
Cognitive $51,600 5,690 106,000 1,031
Self-Care $48,600 9,900 37,000 355
Independent Living $54,200 6,330 81,000 803

* Note: Household income is not available for persons living in group quarters.

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Poverty

Poverty: with disability 20.6%
Poverty: without disability 7.7%

Introduction

This section examines the poverty rates* of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the poverty rate of working-age people with disabilities in CO was 20.6 percent.
  • In 2019, the poverty rate of working-age people without disabilities in CO was 7.7 percent.
  • The difference in the poverty rate between working-age people with and without disabilities was 12.9 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest poverty rate was for people with "Self-Care Disability," 30.9 percent. The lowest poverty rate was for people with "Hearing Disability," 16.5 percent.

* Note: The Census Bureau does not calculate poverty status for those people living in military group quarters or college dormitories.

Poverty rates* of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 7.7 0.47 238,500 14,870 3,097,500 29,343
Any Disability 20.6 2.35 59,100 7,520 286,600 2,792
Visual 23.5 5.66 12,700 3,500 54,200 489
Hearing 16.5 4.35 11,600 3,340 70,400 716
Ambulatory 26.3 4.03 30,300 5,400 115,400 1,122
Cognitive 24.4 3.74 31,000 5,460 127,300 1,204
Self-Care 30.9 7.08 12,700 3,500 41,200 399
Independent Living 28.8 4.56 27,400 5,140 95,200 940

* Note: The Census Bureau does not calculate poverty status for those people living in military group quarters or college dormitories.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI Recipients: with disability 12.8%

Introduction

This section focuses on the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary. Please note that these results will differ from official Social Security Administration reports for several reasons. For additional information, please email DisabilityStatistics@cornell.edu.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income payments in CO was 12.8 percent.
  • In 2019, the number of working-age people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income payments in CO was 36,800.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage that received SSI was people with "Independent Living Disability," 25 percent. The lowest percentage that received SSI was people with "Hearing Disability," 8.6 percent.

Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
Any Disability 12.8 1.43 36,800 4,380 287,200 2,806
Visual 12.9 3.30 7,000 1,920 54,300 490
Hearing 8.6 2.42 6,000 1,780 70,500 718
Ambulatory 16.9 2.53 19,500 3,190 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 18.2 2.47 23,300 3,490 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 22.8 4.74 9,400 2,220 41,200 401
Independent Living 25 3.22 23,800 3,530 95,200 943
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Education

High School Diploma/Equivalent

High School Only: with disability 30.5%
High School Only: without disability 19.3%

Introduction

This section explores the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities with only a high school diploma or equivalent in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities with only a high school diploma or equivalent in CO was 30.5 percent.
  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities with only a high school diploma or equivalent in CO was 19.3 percent.
  • The difference in the percentage with only a high school diploma or equivalent between working-age people with and without disabilities was 11.2 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage with only a high school diploma or equivalent was for people with "Independent Living Disability," 36.3 percent. The lowest percentage with only a high school diploma or equivalent was for people with "Hearing Disability," 28.2 percent.

Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with only a high school diploma or equivalent by disability status in CO in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 19.3 0.51 599,500 16,790 3,107,200 29,540
Any Disability 30.5 1.97 87,500 6,730 287,200 2,806
Visual 33.1 4.63 17,900 3,060 54,300 490
Hearing 28.2 3.88 19,800 3,220 70,500 718
Ambulatory 30.7 3.11 35,400 4,300 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 32.7 3.01 41,700 4,660 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 31.2 5.23 12,900 2,600 41,200 401
Independent Living 36.3 3.57 34,500 4,250 95,200 943
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Education

Some College/Associate's Degree

Some College: with disability 37.3%
Some College: without disability 29.3%

Introduction

This section examines the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities with only some college or an Associate's degree in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities with only some college or an Associate's degree in CO was 37.3 percent.
  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities with only some college or an Associate's degree in CO was 29.3 percent.
  • The difference in the percentage with only some college or an Associate's degree between working-age people with and without disabilities was -8 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage with only some college or an Associate's degree was for people with "Ambulatory Disability," 40 percent. The lowest percentage with only some college or Associate's degree was for people with "Visual Disability," 31.2 percent.

Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with only some college or an Associate's degree by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 29.3 0.59 910,300 20,060 3,107,200 29,540
Any Disability 37.3 2.07 107,000 7,430 287,200 2,806
Visual 31.2 4.56 16,900 2,980 54,300 490
Hearing 36.2 4.15 25,500 3,650 70,500 718
Ambulatory 40 3.30 46,200 4,910 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 35.7 3.07 45,600 4,870 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 37.9 5.48 15,600 2,860 41,200 401
Independent Living 34.8 3.54 33,100 4,160 95,200 943
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Education

Bachelor's Degree or More

Bachelor's Degree or More: with disability 22.1%
Bachelor's Degree or More: without disability 44.4%

Introduction

This section presents the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities with a Bachelor's degree or more in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities with a Bachelor's degree or more in CO was 22.1 percent.
  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities with a Bachelor's degree or more in CO was 44.4 percent.
  • The difference in the percentage with a Bachelor's degree or more between working-age people with and without disabilities was 22.3 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage with a Bachelor's degree or more was for people with "Hearing Disability," 27.3 percent. The lowest percentage with a Bachelor's degree or more was for people with "Independent Living Disability," 16.2 percent.

Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with a Bachelor's degree or more by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 44.4 0.65 1,379,800 23,470 3,107,200 29,540
Any Disability 22.1 1.77 63,500 5,740 287,200 2,806
Visual 23.8 4.19 12,900 2,600 54,300 490
Hearing 27.3 3.85 19,200 3,170 70,500 718
Ambulatory 16.9 2.53 19,500 3,200 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 19.4 2.54 24,700 3,600 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 16.6 4.20 6,800 1,890 41,200 401
Independent Living 16.2 2.74 15,500 2,840 95,200 943
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Veterans Service-Connected Disability Rating

Veterans with a Service-Connected Disability 35.3%

Introduction

This section presents the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age (ages 21 to 64) civilian veterans reporting a service-connected disability rating in Colorado. The 2008 American Community Survey (ACS) asks if the veteran has a service-connected disability, and if so, what their rating is (0-100%). A "service-connected" disability is one that has been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as being a result of disease or injury incurred or aggravated during military service. Note that a veteran can receive disability compensation for a wide range of conditions, and a veteran with a service-connected disability may not report having one of the six ACS functional or activity limitation disabilities. For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, there were 209,600 working-age civilian veterans in CO, of whom 74,000 had a VA service-connected disability.
  • In 2019, the percentage of working-age civilian veterans in CO with a VA service-connected disability was 35.3 percent.
  • In 2019, 32,900 working-age civilian veterans in CO had the most severe service-connected disability rating (70 percent or above).
  • In 2019, 44.4 percent of the working-age civilian veterans in CO who had a service connected disability had a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or above.

Disability rating of working-age civilian veterans (ages 21 to 64) with a service-connected disability in Colorado in 2019

Service-Connected Disability Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
Has a service-connected disability rating (0-100%) 35.3 2.39 74,000 6,190 209,600 2,076
Disability rating of veterans with a service connected-disability
0 percent 1.9 3.29 1,400 850 74,000 700
10 or 20 percent 20.1 3.38 14,900 2,790 74,000 700
30 or 40 percent 17.4 3.19 12,900 2,600 74,000 700
50 or 60 percent 12.8 2.82 9,400 2,220 74,000 700
70 percent or higher 44.4 4.19 32,900 4,140 74,000 700
Rating not reported 3.4 1.53 2,500 1,150 74,000 700
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Health Insurance Coverage

Health Coverage: with Disability 91.9%
Health Coverage: without Disability 89.4%

Introduction

This section examines the health insurance coverage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, 91.9 percent of working-age people with disabilities in CO had some type of health insurance coverage.
  • In 2019, 89.4 percent of working-age people without disabilities in CO had some type of health insurance coverage.
  • The difference in the health insurance coverage rate between working-age people with and without disabilities was 2.5 percentage points.
  • Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest health insurance coverage rate was for people with "Self-Care Disability," 96.2 percent. The lowest health insurance coverage rate was for people with "Hearing Disability," 90.5 percent.

Health Insurance Coverage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
No Disability 89.4 0.51 2,778,900 35,330 3,107,200 29,540
Any Disability 91.9 1.50 264,000 14,790 287,200 2,806
Visual 91.8 3.47 49,800 6,540 54,300 490
Hearing 90.5 3.25 63,800 7,400 70,500 718
Ambulatory 93.5 2.14 107,900 9,590 115,400 1,124
Cognitive 92.7 2.14 118,400 10,030 127,800 1,215
Self-Care 96.2 2.77 39,600 5,840 41,200 401
Independent Living 94.8 2.12 90,300 8,780 95,200 943
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Type of Health Insurance Coverage

Coverage through Employer/Union: with Disability 38.8%
Coverage through Employer/Union: without Disability 67.8%

Introduction

This section examines the type of health insurance coverage for non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Colorado, using data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). Note that people can report more than one type of insurance coverage. For definitions of terms, see Glossary.

Quick Statistics

  • In 2019, 38.8 percent of working-age people with disabilities in CO reported health insurance coverage through a current or former employer or union (theirs or another family member).
  • In 2019, 67.8 percent of working-age people without disabilities in CO reported health insurance coverage through a current or former employer or union (theirs or another family member).
  • In 2019, 11.6 percent of working-age people with disabilities in CO reported purchasing health insurance coverage directly from an insurance company (by themselves or another family member).
  • In 2019, 17.3 percent of working-age people with disabilities in CO reported Medicare coverage and 39.1 percent reported Medicaid coverage (or other government-assistance plan for those with low incomes or a disability).

Type of Health Insurance Coverage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in Colorado in 2019

Disability Status/ Insurance Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size
Any Disability
Uninsured 8.1 1.50 23,200 4,480 287,200 2,806
Employer/Union 38.8 2.68 111,500 9,740 287,200 2,806
Purchased 11.6 1.76 33,400 5,370 287,200 2,806
Medicare 17.3 2.08 49,700 6,540 287,200 2,806
Medicaid 39.1 2.68 112,300 9,780 287,200 2,806
Military/VA 10.7 1.70 30,700 5,150 287,200 2,806
Indian Health Service 0.2 3.29 400 610 287,200 2,806
No Disability
Uninsured 10.6 0.51 328,300 16,390 3,107,200 29,540
Employer/Union 67.8 0.78 2,107,700 34,060 3,107,200 29,540
Purchased 11.4 0.53 352,800 16,950 3,107,200 29,540
Medicare 1.1 3.29 34,800 5,480 3,107,200 29,540
Medicaid 9.9 0.50 308,100 15,910 3,107,200 29,540
Military/VA 5 0.36 156,100 11,480 3,107,200 29,540
Indian Health Service 0.2 3.29 7,400 2,530 3,107,200 29,540
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Glossary

Actively Looking for Work

A person is defined as ACTIVELY looking for work if he or she reports looking for work during the last four weeks.

Ambulatory Disability

This disability type is based on the question (asked of persons ages 5 or older): Does this person have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?

Base Population (Base Pop.)

The estimated number of individuals upon which the calculation is based. (For percentages, this is the denominator).

Cognitive Disability

This disability type is based on the question (asked of persons ages 5 or older): Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?

Disability and Disability Types

The ACS definition of disability is based on six questions. A person is coded as having a disability if he or she or a proxy respondent answers affirmatively for one or more of these six categories.

  • Hearing Disability (asked of all ages): Is this person deaf or does he/she have serious difficulty hearing?
  • Visual Disability (asked of all ages): Is this person blind or does he/she have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?
  • Cognitive Disability (asked of persons ages 5 or older): Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?
  • Ambulatory Disability (asked of persons ages 5 or older): Does this person have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?
  • Self-care Disability (asked of persons ages 5 or older): Does this person have difficulty dressing or bathing?
  • Independent Living Disability (asked of persons ages 15 or older): Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping?

Earnings

Earnings are defined as wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs including self-employment income (NET income after business expenses) from own nonfarm businesses or farm businesses, including proprietorships and partnerships.

Education

Our definition is based on the responses to the question: "What is the highest degree or level of school this person has completed? If currently enrolled, mark the previous grade or highest degree received." Our category "high school diploma/equivalent" includes those marking the ACS option "Regular high school diploma — GED or alternative credential." Our category "Some college/Associate's degree" includes those marking the ACS options: some college credit, but less than 1 year of college credit; one or more years of college credit but no degree, or "Associate's degree (for example: AA, AS)." Our category "a Bachelor's or more" includes those marking the ACS options: "Bachelor's degree (for example: BA, BS)"; "Master's degree (for example: MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)"; "Professional degree (for example: MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)"; or "Doctorate degree (for example: PhD, EdD)." Note in 2008 changes were made to some of the response categories and the layout of this question.

Employment

A person is considered employed if he or she is either

  1. “at work”: those who did any work at all during the reference week as a paid employee (worked in his or her own business or profession, worked on his or her own farm, or worked 15 or more hours as an unpaid worker on a family farm or business) or
  2. “with a job but not at work”: had a job but temporarily did not work at that job during the reference week due to illness, bad weather, industrial dispute, vacation or other personal reasons. The reference week is defined as the week preceding the date the questionnaire was completed.

Employment Rate

The employment rate is calculated by dividing the number of persons employed by the number of persons in that population.

** Note that the unemployment rate cannot be calculated using the employment rate:

  • The employment rate is the percentage of all persons who have a job.
  • The unemployment rate is the percentage of persons in the labor force who do not have a job but are actively looking for work. The labor force includes people who have a job, are on layoff, or who actively searched for work in the last four weeks.

Please see http://www.disabilitystatistics.org/faq.cfm#Q6 for more information on unemployment rate calculation and its implications.

Full-Time/Full-Year Employment

A person is considered employed full-time/full-year if he or she worked 35 hours or more per week (full-time) and 50 or more weeks per year (full-year). The reference period is defined as the year preceding the date the questionnaire was completed. Note: this does not signify whether a person is eligible for fringe benefits. The question and response categories regarding weeks worked per year was changed in 2008.

Group Quarters (GQ)

A GQ is a place where people live or stay that is normally owned or managed by an entity or organization providing housing and/or services for the residents. These services may include custodial or medical care as well as other types of assistance, and residency is commonly restricted to those receiving these services. People living in group quarters are usually not related to each other. Group quarters include such places as college residence halls, residential treatment centers, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, military barracks, correctional facilities, and workers' dormitories. See the definitions of institutional GQs and non-institutional GQs for more information. In addition, a description of the types of group quarters included in the 2008 ACS is located on the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site at www.census.gov/acs/www/Downloads/
2008_ACS_GQ_Definitions.pdf.

Health Insurance Coverage

Is based on the following question: Is this person CURRENTLY covered by any of the following types of health insurance or health coverage plans? Mark "Yes" or "No" for EACH type of coverage in items a – h.

  1. Insurance through a current or former employer or union (of this person or another family member)
  2. Insurance purchased directly from an insurance company (by this person or another family member)
  3. Medicare, for people 65 and older, or people with certain disabilities
  4. Medicaid, Medical Assistance, or any kind of government-assistance plan for those with low incomes or a disability
  5. VA (including those who have ever used or enrolled for VA health care)
  6. TRICARE or other military health care
  7. Indian Health Service
  8. Any other type of health insurance or health coverage plan – Specify (Note: “Other type” were recoded into one of the categories a-g by the Census Bureau)

Hearing Disability

This disability type is based on the question (asked of all ages): Is this person deaf or does he/she have serious difficulty hearing?

Hispanic or Latino Origin

People of Hispanic or Latino origin are those who classify themselves in a specific Hispanic or Latino category in response to the question, "Is this person Spanish/Hispanic/Latino?" Specifically, those of Hispanic or Latino origin are those who are Cuban; Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano; Puerto Rican; or other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino. Origin may be the heritage, nationality group, lineage, or country of birth of the person or the person's parents or ancestors before their arrival in the United States. People who identify their origin as Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino may be of any race.

Household Income

Household Income is defined as the total income of a household including: wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs; self-employment income (NET income after business expenses) from own non-farm or farm businesses, including proprietorships and partnerships; interest, dividends, net rental income, royalty income, or income from real estates and trusts; Social Security or Railroad Retirement; Supplemental Security Income; any public assistance or welfare payments from the state or local welfare office; retirement, survivor or disability pensions; and any other regularly received income (e.g., Veterans' payments, unemployment compensation, child support or alimony). Median household income is calculated with the household as the unit of analysis, using household weights without adjusting for household size.

Independent Living Disability

This disability type is based on the question (asked of persons ages 15 or older): Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctors office or shopping?

Institutional Group Quarters (GQs)

Includes facilities for people under formally authorized, supervised care or custody at the time of enumeration. Generally, restricted to the institution, under the care or supervision of trained staff, and classified as "patients" or "inmates." Includes: correctional, nursing, and in-patient hospice facilities, psychiatric hospitals, juvenile group homes and residential treatment centers.

Margin of Error (MOE)

Data, such as data from the American Community Survey, is based on a sample, and therefore statistics derived from this data are subject to sampling variability. The margin of error (MOE) is a measure of the degree of sampling variability. In a random sample, the degree of sampling variation is determined by the underlying variability of the phenomena being estimated (e.g., income) and the size of the sample (i.e., the number of survey participants used to calculate the statistic). The smaller the margin of error, the lower the sampling variability and the more "precise" the estimate. A margin of error is the difference between an estimate and its upper or lower confidence bounds. Confidence bounds are calculated by adding the MOE to the estimate (upper bound) and subtracting the MOE from the estimate (lower bound). All margins of error in this report are based on a 90 percent confidence level. This means that there is a 90% certainty that the actual value lies somewhere between the upper and lower confidence bounds.

Non-Institutional Group Quarters (GQs)

Includes facilities that are not classified as institutional group quarters; such as college/university housing, group homes intended for adults, residential treatment facilities for adults, workers' group living quarters and Job Corps centers and religious group quarters.

Not Working but Actively Looking for Work

A person is defined as not working but actively looking for work if he or she reports not being employed, but has been looking for work during the last four weeks.

Number

This term appears in the tables; it refers to estimated number of people in the category. (for percentages, this is the numerator).

Poverty

The poverty measure is computed based upon the standards defined in Directive 14 from the Office of Management and Budget. These standards use poverty thresholds created in 1982 and index these thresholds to 2008 dollars using poverty factors based upon the Consumer Price Index. They use the family as the income sharing unit and family income is the sum of total income from each family member living in the household. The poverty threshold depends upon the size of the family; the age of the householder; and the number of related children under the age of 18.

Race

Race categories are based on the question, "[w]hat is this person's race? Mark (X) one or more races to indicate what this person considers himself/herself to be." Responses include the following: White; Black or African-American; American Indian or Alaska Native (print name of enrolled or principal tribe); Asian Indian; Chinese; Filipino; Japanese; Korean; Vietnamese; Other Asian (Print Race); Native Hawaiian; Guamanian or Chamarro; Samoan; Other Pacific Islander (Print Race Below); Some other race (print race below). "Other race" also contains people who report more than one race.

Sample Size

The number of survey participants used to calculate the statistic.

Self-care Disability

This disability type is based on the question (asked of persons ages 5 or older): 17c. Does this person have difficulty dressing or bathing?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A person is defined as receiving SSI payments if he or she reports receiving (SSI) income in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Note: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not apply to Puerto Rico. SSI is a federal cash assistance program that provides monthly payments to low-income aged, blind, or disabled persons in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Veteran Service-Connected Disability

A disease or injury determined to have occurred in or to have been aggravated by military service. A disability is evaluated according to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities in Title 38, CFR, and Part 4. Extent of disability is expressed as a percentage from 0% (for conditions that exist but are not disabling to a compensable degree) to 100%, in increments of 10%. This information was determined by the following two part question:

  1. Does this person have a VA service-connected disability rating?
    Yes (such as 0%, 10%, 20%, ... , 100%)
    No SKIP to question 28a
  2. What is this person’s service-connected disability rating?”
    Responses included: 0 percent; 10 or 20 percent; 30 or 40 percent; 50 or 60 percent; 70 percent or higher

Visual Disability

This disability type is based on the question:(asked of all ages): Is this person blind or does he/she have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?

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About the Disability Status Reports

The Cornell University Disability Status Reports is produced and funded by the Yang Tan Institute at the Cornell University ILR School. This effort originated as a product of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) funded to the Yang Tan Institute in the ILR School at Cornell University by the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (grant No. H133B031111).

The contents of this report do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government (Edgar, 75.620 (b)).

 

Contact Us

K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan
Institute on Employment and Disability
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853
Phone: 607.255.7727
Email: disabilitystatistics@cornell.edu
Web: www.disabilitystatistics.org




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