The Purchasing Power of Working-Age Adults With Disabilities in Boston and Other Top Metropolitan Areas

Authors: Michelle Yin, Dahlia Shaewitz, & Mahlet Megra
Year: 2020  |  Type: Research Report
Published by: AIR / Ruderman Family Foundation
$7B
Boston Disposable Income
Exceeds
City's Annual Budget
10
Largest Metros Analyzed
6 Types
Disability Categories Examined

Abstract

This report quantifies the purchasing power of working-age adults with disabilities across the 10 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, with a special focus on Boston. The study reveals that the disability community in Boston alone holds $7 billion in disposable income -- a figure that exceeds the city's annual operating budget. By analyzing purchasing power by disability type and metro area, the report demonstrates the enormous, often-overlooked economic contribution of people with disabilities and provides a data-driven rationale for businesses and policymakers to invest in accessibility and inclusion.

Key Findings

Disposable Income of Adults With Disabilities by Metro Area

Estimated disposable income in billions of dollars

$5B $10B $15B $20B New York $25B Los Angeles $16B Chicago $12B Dallas $9B Houston $8B Boston $7B Philadelphia $7B Washington DC $7B Miami $6B Atlanta $5B

Disposable Income by Metro Area

Metropolitan Area Disposable Income (Approx.)
New York $25 billion
Los Angeles $16 billion
Chicago $12 billion
Dallas $9 billion
Houston $8 billion
Boston $7 billion
Philadelphia $7 billion
Washington DC $7 billion
Miami $6 billion
Atlanta $5 billion

Data & Methods

This study uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) to estimate disposable income of working-age adults (ages 18-64) with disabilities across the 10 largest metropolitan statistical areas. Disposable income is estimated by subtracting essential expenditures from total after-tax income, with adjustments for regional cost-of-living differences. The analysis is further disaggregated by disability type (hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living).

Implications

Citation

Yin, M., Shaewitz, D., & Megra, M. (2020). The Purchasing Power of Working-Age Adults With Disabilities in Boston and Other Top Metropolitan Areas. American Institutes for Research / Ruderman Family Foundation.

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