Survey: 2014’s Best and Worst Cities for People with Disabilities
When searching for a new city to call home, most people share a common list of priorities. Among their concerns are affordability, jobs, schools and attractions. But people with disabilities often have a larger list of considerations. Factors such as the accessibility of various facilities, the quality of health care and even the cleanliness of the air can take precedence. The availability of such elements allows them to play an important role in the community and make significant contributions to the economy.
In the United States, people with disabilities bring valuable skill sets to the workplace that build upon the strength and diversity of the American labor market. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, a little more than five million people with disabilities were employed in 2013. However, the unemployment rate for those with a disability continues to be almost double the rate for persons without a disability.
In observance of Disability Employment Awareness Month
With October being Disability Employment Awareness Month and the unemployment rate for persons with a disability continuing to be almost double the rate for persons without a disability, the leading personal finance social network WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2014’s Best and Worst Cities for Americans with Disabilities.
WalletHub identified the cities with the most suitable conditions for individuals with disabilities. We analyzed the 150 most populated cities across 23 key metrics, ranging from the number of physicians per capita to the rate of employed people with disabilities to park accessibility. By doing so, we aim to ease the process of finding the best place to live while managing a disability.
In order to ease the process of finding the best place to live and manage a disability, WalletHub analyzed the 150 most populated U.S. cities across 23 key metrics. They range from the number of physicians per capita to the rate of employed people with disabilities to park accessibility.
Best Cities for People with Disabilities Worst Cities for People with Disabilities
1 Overland Park, KS 141 Chicago, IL
2 Peoria, AZ 142 Los Angeles, CA
3 Scottsdale, AZ 143 Reno, NV
4 Lubbock, TX 144 Fort Lauderdale, FL
5 Chandler, AZ 145 Jackson, MS
6 Amarillo, TX 146 Hialeah, FL
7 Gilbert, AZ 147 Las Vegas, NV
8 Tampa, FL 148 Miami, FL
9 Chesapeake, VA 149 North Las Vegas, NV
10 Huntsville, AL 150 Providence, RI
Key Stats
- The adjusted cost of living in New York is 2 times higher than in Nashville, Tenn.
- The employment rate of people with disabilities in Overland Park, Kans. is 2 times higher than in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
- The percentage of the population with disabilities below poverty level in Rochester, N.Y. is 6 times higher than in Plano, Tex.
- The cost of a doctor visit in Madison, Wis. is 3 times higher than in Jacksonville, Fla.
- The annual cost of in-home services in Madison, Wis. is 2 times higher than in Brownsville, Tex.
- The percentage of persons with disabilities living in Detroit, Mich. is 4 times higher than in Irvine, Calif.
- The number of special education teachers per people with disabilities in Charlotte, N.C. is 26 times higher than in Detroit, Mich.
- The percentage of the population with walkable park access in San Francisco, Calif. is 4 times higher than in Charlotte, N.C.
For the full report and to see where your city ranks, please visit here.
