The U.S. Census Bureau has released new statistics on the nation's population with disabilities, highlighting the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as its anniversary approaches on July 26, 2026. Signed into law by then-President George H.W. Bush in 1990, the ADA remains the country's strongest measure protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities, ensuring equal access to public services, employment, and facilities.
According to 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates, 45.8 million, or 13.7%, of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population had a disability. West Virginia recorded the highest percentage at 19.6%, while New Jersey and Utah shared the lowest rate at 11.0% each.
The data also shows that 10.5 million individuals aged 18 to 64 with a disability were employed in 2024. For those aged 16 and over with a disability and earnings, the median earnings stood at $34,114 in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars, reflecting ongoing economic aspects for this population group.