The State of Texans with Disabilities

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Among all the people in Texas, 12.1% have a disability, according to data from the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) via the Texas Workforce Investment Council.   

But who makes up the disabled population? 

Which disabilities are the most prevalent and in which communities?  

What resources are available to these individuals, their families, and caregivers?  

Let’s explore the answers to reveal the state of Texans with disabilities.  

Demographic Data: State of Texans with Disabilities 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines disability as a condition that impairs either the body or the mind, making it more difficult to perform day-to-day activities or tasks. 

There are many different classifications of disability, including vision, movement, thinking, remembering, learning, mental health, and more.  

But where does Texas stand when it comes to disabilities?  

Ambulatory disabilities, which impact physical capability such as walking and standing, are the leading Texas disability (49%) followed by cognitive disability, like Alzheimer’s/dementia and other cognitive impairments (40%). 

Hearing (28%), independent living (35%), self-care (20%), and vision (22%) round out the prevalence of Texas disabilities.  

When considering other demographics of Texans with disabilities, 14% are Black Texans, 14% are White Texans, 13% are American Indian and Alaska Native, 10% are Hispanic/Latino, and 6% were Asian Texans, according to the Every Texan analysis of 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. 

Most Texans with disabilities are aged 75 and older, followed by people aged 65-74.  

What’s more, there are more disability-affected women than men in every age category except the 75+ age group.  

Community Data: State of Texans with Disabilities  

Of those who have disabilities in Texas, many live in the Houston metro area and surrounding Gulf Coast area counties at over 760,000 Texans with disabilities, according to 2024 data published by the Texas Workforce Investment Council.  

Other metro areas such as San Antonio-New Braunfels, Austin-Round Rock, and Dallas-Fort Worth have anywhere 216,000 and 396,999 individuals with disabilities.  

Labor Force, Education, and Income: State of Texans with Disabilities 

Of the 14.6 million Texans employed in the Lone Star State, 7% were individuals with disabilities, according to 2024 data published by the Texas Workforce Investment Council. 

The top industries that Texans with disabilities occupy are construction (7.9%), restaurant and food service (6.7%), education (5.8%), hospitals (2.9%) and computer system designs (1.6%).  

In 2022, Texans with disabilities in the labor force earned an average salary of $47,133 a year, compared to the $63,415 average salary for Texans without disabilities.  

When it comes to higher educational attainment for non-institutionalized Texans with disabilities aged 25 and older, 19% earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2022. 

Health Insurance and Poverty: State of Texans with Disabilities 

As of 2021, 12% of Texans with disabilities are uninsured, according to the Every Texan analysis of 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. 

Many uninsured Texans with disabilities are aged 19 to 64 (20%).  

This may have to do with the fact that these individuals haven’t reached the age where they can apply for Medicare and there are fewer options for affordable health care.  

Not only are Texans with disabilities uninsured and underinsured, many live in poverty.  

According to 2021 estimates, 1 in 5 Texans with disabilities live in poverty.  

When considering the number of Texas adults who live under the poverty threshold, 22% are Texans with disabilities.  

Of the Texan households with at least one person with a disability, 42% receive food stamps.  

What’s more, 30% of Texas veterans have a disability with 15% living in poverty, according to the Every Texan analysis of 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. 

How Can Texas Address Disability Inconsistencies? 

While the rights of Americans with disabilities have gotten progressively better since the passing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, these statistics and demographics reveal the gaps in resources and health care for Texans with disabilities.  

There are opportunities to close these gaps, especially when it comes to health. 

Individuals with disabilities have unique health needs that pertain to their disability, and the need for affordable health insurance is crucial to their quality of life.  

However, Texas continues to be among some of the worst states when it comes to insurance access.  

Much of this has to do with the limited access to Medicaid coverage.  

Texas stands as one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid access.  

Expanding Medicaid access in Texas would grant health insurance coverage to an estimated 1 million to over 1.4 million uninsured, low-income Texas adults, according to a KFF report.  

With a 12% uninsured rate, many of these individuals would be disabled Texans in desperate need of insurance. 

What Does Health Care Look Like Where You Live? 

What’s the state of individuals with disabilities where you live? 

Find out by downloading a Salud America! Health Report Card for your town!   

Enter your county name and get auto-generated local data with interactive maps and comparative gauges on several health indicators. This can help you visualize and explore local issues in education, housing, transportation, food, health, and more.   

See how your county stacks up compared to the rest of your state and nation.   

Then email the Report Card to local leaders to raise awareness, include the data in a presentation or grant proposal, or share it on social media to drive healthy changes in your community!  

GET YOUR HEALTH  REPORT CARD!