In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 most wheelchair accessible cities in the US. If you are not interested in reading about the global wheelchair market, head straight to the 5 Most Wheelchair Accessible Cities in the US.
In the United States, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges is a crucial aspect of urban planning. As such, several cities across the nation have made significant strides in creating environments that are welcoming and accommodating to wheelchair users. From comprehensive infrastructure improvements to inclusive public transportation systems, these cities prioritize accessibility to enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors.
Overview of the Global Wheelchair Market and Key Factors Driving Growth
The global wheelchair market is experiencing significant growth driven by various factors such as the increasing aging population, rising prevalence of disabilities, and advancements in technology. In 2022, the market size was valued at USD 4.8 billion and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 8.4 billion. The hospital segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during this period due to the growing cases of medical emergencies that necessitate wheelchairs. North America dominated the global market in 2022, accounting for 34.9% of the revenue share, attributed to factors like a high target population and increased adoption of advanced wheelchairs.
Factors Driving Market Growth include the increasing geriatric population, which leads to a higher prevalence of age-related mobility issues, boosting the demand for wheelchairs. Additionally, the rising incidence of disabilities worldwide is a key driver for wheelchair market growth. Technological advancements in wheelchair designs, including user-friendly interfaces and connectivity features, are enhancing consumer expectations and driving market expansion.
The United States stands as a significant market for wheelchairs due to factors like the increasing number of spinal cord injuries, with vehicular crashes being a leading cause, resulting in around 17,730 new spinal cord injuries annually. The COVID-19 pandemic had a notable impact on the transport and mobility sector, affecting wheelchair operations across several countries due to strict lockdowns. However, with revised restrictions and increased demand driven by chronic diseases and a rising geriatric population, companies are expected to resume operations and witness an uptick in wheelchair demand.
Regarding financial statistics, Canada’s healthcare spending is substantial, with the country spending about USD 300 billion annually on healthcare, ranking second highest among OECD countries.
Overview of Disability in the United States and Its Implications
In the United States, disability affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately 42.5 million Americans having disabilities, making up 13% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. Among adults, up to 27% have some type of disability, facing various challenges such as mobility difficulties, cognition issues, and independent living obstacles. Specifically, around 3.6 million individuals over the age of 15 use a wheelchair in the US.
Financial statistics and data points reveal disparities in employment and income between individuals with and without disabilities. People with disabilities tend to earn less, with a median income of $28,438 compared to $40,948 for those without disabilities. Additionally, only 20.2% of individuals aged 18 to 64 with disabilities work full- or part-time, compared to 76.6% of those without disabilities. A significant percentage of individuals with travel-limiting disabilities live in households with lower incomes, with over half residing in households earning under $25,000 annually.
Regarding technology adoption, U.S. adults with disabilities are less likely to own desktop or laptop computers (62% vs. 81%) and smartphones (72% vs. 88%) compared to those without disabilities. In terms of transportation accessibility, approximately 98% of public transportation buses in the US are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users.
The market value of the power and manual wheelchair market in 2018 was estimated at 6.8 billion dollars, indicating the importance of assistive devices in addressing mobility needs. Certain demographics show higher rates of disability, with older Americans being more likely to have a disability, as around 50% of adults aged 65 and older report a disability. Racial disparities also exist, with American Indians and Alaska Natives having higher rates of disability (18%), while Asian and Hispanic Americans have lower rates (8% and 10%, respectively).
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) is a global leader in supporting disabled individuals and enhancing employee experiences through modernized benefit practices. Their strategies focus on aligning benefits with market trends, optimizing spend, and emphasizing the employee value proposition. Gallagher Better Works integrates various aspects including benefits, compensation, retirement, and workplace culture to support organizational wellbeing. Recently, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) acquired Cadence Insurance, Inc. for $904 million in cash, demonstrating their commitment to expanding insurance operations. Looking ahead, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) aims to innovate benefit strategies to meet diverse employee needs, and invest in health, talent, financial wellbeing, and career growth, while maintaining cost-effectiveness to stay competitive and support workforce productivity.
Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) is a leading provider of support to disabled individuals globally, offering tailored insurance products and digital solutions to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. The company aligns with disability advocacy trends, collaborating with stakeholders to create a more inclusive environment. With a positive outlook, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) plans to launch new initiatives, invest in technology, expand globally, and strengthen partnerships to drive positive change. In Q4 2023, Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) reported a 25.1% increase in operating net income, with total operating revenues reaching $3.2 billion, driven by higher premium income. Premiums increased across various segments, with notable growth in Unum U.S. and Unum U.K.
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Our Methodology
Our methodology has meticulously ranked wheelchair-accessible cities in the US based on a consensus, which involved evaluating various sources and Reddit threads on the topic. We scored the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the US based on different factors. Considering these factors, we have arrived at a definitive ranking of the 15 most wheelchair-accessible cities in the US, presented in ascending order of scores.
15. Portland, Oregon
Insider Monkey Score: 0.06
Portland, Oregon, known for its high wheelchair accessibility. With 12.9% of the population using wheelchairs, the city offers diverse wheelchair-friendly places and services, ensuring accessibility for all residents and visitors.
14. Tampa, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 0.13
Tampa, Florida stands among the most wheelchair friendly cities, catering to individuals with disabilities. With approximately 8.9% of the population living with a disability, the city offers wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and attractions like the Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens that are ADA-compliant. Additionally, Tampa provides door-to-door transportation services such as the Sunshine Line and bus passes for the elderly and people with disabilities.
13. Baltimore, Maryland
Insider Monkey Score: 0.2
Despite facing high costs for ADA compliance, estimated at over $650 million, Baltimore is recognized as one of America’s top 15 most accessible cities, with 11.9% of its population living with disabilities. It offers accessible transit options like subways and buses, connecting residents to key locations. The Inner Harbor area features restaurants and attractions designed for accessibility. Initiatives like the Complete Streets program aim to enhance accessibility, with 3,600 miles of sidewalks maintained as per the Complete Streets Manual.
12. Fort Worth, Texas
Insider Monkey Score: 0.26
Fort Worth, Texas, with a population of around 956,709, has about 7.1% of individuals under 65 living with a disability. The city offers various wheelchair-friendly places, notably the Cultural District, housing museums like the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science also enriches experiences with diverse exhibits. Additionally, Fort Worth’s transportation sector contributes significantly to its economy, with total revenue reaching $2,859,698 in 2017.
11. Miami, Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 0.33
Miami, Florida, stands among the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the US, offering amenities and services for individuals with disabilities. Wheelchair accessibility is facilitated through services like wheelchair taxis, and attractions like Crandon Park Beach offer wheelchair-accessible amenities. Shake-A-Leg Miami provides accessible activities like sailing and kayaking. Efforts like the MyPath project aim to enhance accessibility through AI-based systems.
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Insider Monkey Score: 0.4
Las Vegas is highly regarded as one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the US, offering a wide array of accessible options and accommodations close to attractions. The city’s expansive resorts provide comprehensive accessibility features, including dining, spas, and entertainment. Hotels in Las Vegas have ADA specialists to assist guests with disabilities. The city offers accessible attractions such as the High Roller Ferris Wheel and SlotZilla Zip Line, with some hotels providing free gaming lessons with sign-language interpreters for an inclusive experience.
9. Denver, Colorado
Insider Monkey Score: 0.46
Denver, Colorado, with 61,341 total disabled individuals, is known for its wheelchair-accessible infrastructure, adhering to ADA standards. The city offers wheelchair-accessible transportation options such as a fully accessible light rail system with 46 stops and buses serving the city and airport. Most intersections feature curb cuts for accessibility, and downtown Denver is wheelchair-friendly, including attractions like Larimer Square, the capitol building, botanical gardens, Denver Zoo, and the Denver Art Museum. Staunton State Park, 40 miles south of Denver, provides specialized experiences for visitors with disabilities, offering a complimentary motorized Trackchair for exploring its three accessible trails totaling about 13 miles.
8. Birmingham, Alabama
Insider Monkey Score: 0.53
Birmingham, Alabama, with a significant disabled population of 14.5% under the age of 65, is actively improving wheelchair accessibility, making Birmingham stand among the cities with the most wheelchair accessibility. The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority operates nearly two dozen paratransit buses, expanding transportation options. The presence of the University of Alabama in Birmingham and HealthSouth’s medical resources further support individuals with disabilities. The city offers various wheelchair-friendly places, including centers for independent living and rehab facilities, fostering a supportive environment.
7. Raleigh, North Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 0.6
Raleigh, North Carolina has 403 wheelchair-accessible restaurants demonstrating its commitment. The city ensures access to services and facilities for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Raleigh offers a fee of $5 for a permanent parking placard, impacting individuals with mobility, hearing, sight, or mental impairments.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
Insider Monkey Score: 0.66
Atlanta, Georgia, known for attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo, stands sixth among the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the US. Approximately 12.3% of people in Georgia have disabilities, with Fulton County having the highest number. Atlanta offers 3,855 accessible home listings and wheelchair-friendly places like the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Zoo, despite its challenges.
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Disclosure. None: The 15 Most Wheelchair Accessible Cities in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.