When choosing a city to call home, disabled people may want to first review WalletHub's 2017's Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities.
One in five Americans lives with a disability, and one in 10 has a severe disability, according to the Social Security Administration. Considering the physical and economic challenges of managing a disability, not all cities are alike.
To determine the most livable places for people with disabilities, WalletHub's analysts compared the 150 most populated cities across three key dimensions: economy, quality of life and health care. The website evaluated those dimensions using 28 relevant metrics with varying weights, such as housing affordability, cost of living, cost of doctor, number of family doctors and general practitioners per capita, and wheelchair access for restaurants, grocery stores and even nature trails.
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In our slideshow, we list some of those details, as well as some state statistics to provide a bit more color…
No. 150: San Bernardino, Calif.
WalletHub's Total Score 40.51
Economy Rank 141
Quality of Life Rank 96
Health Care Rank 133
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in San Bernardino is $257,000, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
San Bernardino has a cost of living index of 111.40, according to Sperling's Best Places, more expensive that the U.S. average of 100. However, the average price for a studio was $599, compared to the average U.S. price of $712; while the average price for a four-bedroom dwelling was $1,560, compared to the average U.S. price of $1,601.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total California uninsured residents, 18.45 percent; total California HMO enrollment,15,699,228; average annual employee premium in a California employer-sponsored plan (after employer contributions): $741; average California hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $2,250.
California was ranked No. 23 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 123.3 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within San Bernardino, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 149: Greensboro, N.C.
WalletHub's Total Score 40.60
Economy Rank 117
Quality of Life Rank 121
Health Care Rank 143
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Greensboro is $130,900, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Greensboro has a cost of living index of 74.08, ranking 181st out of 511 cities in the world, according to Numbeo; the average monthly costs (without rent) for a single person was $869.09, and the average monthly costs (without rent) for a four-person family was $3,075.20.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total North Carolina uninsured residents, 16.03 percent; total North Carolina HMO enrollment, 476,899; average annual employee premium in a North Carolina employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution), $827; average North Carolina hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,433.
North Carolina was ranked No. 27 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 119.7 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Greensboro, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 148: Providence, R.I.
WalletHub's Total Score 41.57
Economy Rank 143
Quality of Life Rank 72
Health Care Rank 132
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Providence is $177,900, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Providence has a cost of living index of 106.40, according to Sperling's Best Places, more expensive that the U.S. average of 100 – and the cost of housing is the biggest factor in the difference. The average price for a studio was $761, compared to the average U.S. price of $712; while the average price for a four-bedroom dwelling was $1,584, compared to the average U.S. price of $1,601.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation, the average family premium per enrolled employee for employer-based health insurance was $5,035; the average Rhode Island hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance) was $2,759. The percentage of uninsured people in Rhode Island in 2015 was 7.8 percent, according to the State of Rhode Island Department of Health.
Rhode Island was ranked No. 4 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 179.6 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Providence, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 147: Winston-Salem, N.C.
WalletHub's Total Score 41.64
Economy Rank 84
Quality of Life Rank 132
Health Care Rank 145
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Winston-Salem is $124,900, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 64.16, ranking 290th out of 511 cities in the world, according to Numbeo; the average monthly costs (without rent) for a single person was $ 715.17, and the average monthly costs (without rent) for a four-person family was $ 2,586.68.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total North Carolina uninsured residents, 16.03 percent; total North Carolina HMO enrollment, 476,899; average annual employee premium in a North Carolina employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution), $827; Average North Carolina hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,433.
North Carolina was ranked No. 27 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 119.7 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Winston-Salem, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 146: Brownsville, Texas
WalletHub's Total Score 42.05
Economy Rank 133
Quality of Life Rank 144
Health Care Rank 80
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Brownsville is $83,200, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Brownsville has a cost of living index of 77.50, according to Sperling's Best Places, cheaper that the U.S. average of 100 – and the cost of housing is what makes the most difference. The average price for a studio was $585, compared to the average U.S. price of $712; and the average price for a four-bedroom dwelling was $1,215, compared to the average U.S. price of $1,601.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total Texas uninsured residents, 25.22 percent; total Texas HMO enrollment, 3,145,072; average annual employee premium in a Texas employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution), $844; and the average Texas hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,806.
Texas was ranked No. 43 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 99.4 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Brownsville, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
5 BEST CITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
No. 5: Aurora, Col.
WalletHub's Total Score 57.18
Economy Rank 29
Quality of Life Rank 34
Health Care Rank 17
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Aurora is $289,800, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Aurora has a cost of living index of 112.80, according to Sperling's Best Places, more expensive that the U.S. average of 100. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference – Aurora's housing index was 140. The average price for a studio was $808, compared to the average U.S. price of $712; and the average price for a four-bedroom dwelling was $2,077, compared to the average U.S. price of $1,601.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total Colorado uninsured residents, 16.21percent; total Colorado HMO enrollment, 953,739; average annual employee premium in a Colorado employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution), $998; average Colorado hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,998.
Colorado was ranked No. 23 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 123.2 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Aurora, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 4: Salt Lake City, Utah
WalletHub's Total Score 57.32
Economy Rank 69
Quality of Life Rank 29
Health Care Rank 7
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Salt Lake City is $286,700, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 67.75, ranking 270th out of 511 cities in the world, according to Numbeo; the average monthly costs (without rent) for a single person was $769.94, and the average monthly costs (without rent) for a four-person family was $2,746.91.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total Utah uninsured residents, 13.02 percent; total Utah HMO enrollment, 783,685; average annual employee premium in Utah employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution), $752; average Utah hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,959.
Utah was ranked No. 44 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 90.5 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Salt Lake City, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 3: Denver, Col.
WalletHub's Total Score 58.18
Economy Rank 82
Quality of Life Rank 12
Health Care Rank 12
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Denver is $386,700, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Denver has a cost of living index of 79.44, ranking 116th out of 511 cities in the world, according to Numbeo; the average monthly costs (without rent) for a single person was $917.91, and the average monthly costs (without rent) for a four-person family was $3,334.14.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total Colorado uninsured residents, 16.21 percent; total Colorado HMO enrollment, 953,739; average annual employee premium in a Colorado employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution): $998; and the average Colorado hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,998.
Colorado was ranked No. 23 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 123.2 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Denver, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 2: Grand Rapids, Mich.
WalletHub's Total Score 58.49
Economy Rank 73
Quality of Life Rank 39
Health Care Rank 1
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Grand Rapids is $ 134,700, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 73.64, ranking 188th out of 511 cities in the world, according to Numbeo; the average monthly costs (without rent) for a single person was 861.15, and the average monthly costs (without rent) for a four-person family was $ 2,989.84.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation health statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total Michigan uninsured residents, 11.67 percent; total Michigan HMO enrollment, 2,793,840; average annual employee premium in a Michigan employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution): $735; and the average Michigan hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,642.
Michigan was ranked No. 21 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 124.1 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Grand Rapids, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
No. 1: Overland Park, Kan.
WalletHub's Total Score 61.91
Economy Rank 3
Quality of Life Rank 57
Health Care Rank 5
In terms of housing affordability, the median home price in Overland Park is $262,400, according to Zillow. The median home price for all of the U.S. is $201,900.
Overland Park has a cost of living index of 71.90, ranking 209th out of 511 cities in the world, according to Numbeo; the average monthly costs (without rent) for a single person was 847.10, and the average monthly costs (without rent) for a four-person family was $2,986.25.
For the entire state, according to Kaiser Family Foundation state statistics compiled by eHealthinsurance Services, Inc., total Kansas uninsured residents, 12.48 percent; total Kansas HMO enrollment, 409,435; average annual employee premium in a Kansas employer-sponsored plan (after employer contribution), $807; and the average Kansas hospital cost per inpatient day (before insurance), $1,093.
Kansas was ranked No. 35 in the number of active primary care physicians per 100,000 population, with 108.3 in 2015, according to American Medical Association Data compiled by America's Health Ratings. The national average was 127.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.
As for being able to use a wheelchair in a restaurant, grocery store or other establishment within Overland Park, Google Maps now notes if a certain location in the city has a "Wheelchair accessible entrance" in the "Amenities" section — wherever Google is made aware of the accessibility.
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Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
