2023 New Jersey Disability Report

The 2023 New Jersey Disability Report provides insights into the prevalence, employment, income, public transportation, education, and poverty status of people with disabilities in New Jersey over the past decade (2011-2021). The report focuses on the state of New Jersey and the two county region that the Center for Independent Living of South Jersey serves. All data presented in this report is from the United States Census - American Community Survey (ACS). ​

 

SUMMARY FINDINGS

The report indicates that about 1 in 4 adults in New Jersey have a disability, and since 2011, the percentage of people with an independent living disability has stayed steady. Both Gloucester and Camden counties have higher rates of people with independent living difficulties than the state average.​​

 

Regarding employment, only 24.2% of people with disabilities were employed in New Jersey in 2021, compared to 61% of people without disabilities. Over the past decade, the employment status for people with disabilities has remained relatively stable, with a marginal increase over time.​

 

The income for people with and without disabilities has risen since 2011, but there remains a significant income gap. Income for people without disabilities has risen at a greater rate than those with disabilities. Both Gloucester and Camden counties have lower median incomes than the state average for people with disabilities.

 

​Regarding public transportation, there has been a significant decline in the percentage of commuters using public transit to get to work for both people with and without disabilities. Until 2015, people with disabilities used public transit for work at higher rates than those without disabilities.​

 

In terms of education, all groups have experienced a decline in "less than high school" educational attainment since 2011, but all groups have also experienced a rise in rates of higher education (BA degree or higher). Gaps between those with and without disabilities persist in terms of higher education rates, with both Gloucester and Camden counties below the state average for people with disabilities.​

 

Lastly, the poverty status for people with and without disabilities who are living 100% below the poverty level has remained steady since 2011, with little change over the past decade. The poverty rate for people with disabilities in Gloucester County is lower than the state average, while Camden County is higher.