Disability Statistics

How many disabled people live in Oxford?

The most up-to-date statistics about disability come from the number of people claiming disability-related state benefits. In May 2011 in Oxford there were:

• 4,990 claims for Disability Living Allowance
• 2,630 claims for Attendance Allowance
• 4,570 claims for Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance

These numbers should not be added together, as some people may be eligible for and claiming more than one benefit.

The figures on benefit claimants should be treated with caution however. Some people who may be eligible for disability-related benefits may not claim them, and others who may be disabled may not be eligible.

Another view of people with disabilities comes from the 2001 Census:

• 18,500 people in Oxford said they suffered from a limiting long-term illness - 14% of the population
• 3,100 people aged 16-74 years said they were permanently sick or disabled and therefore not working or looking for work (3% of this population)
• 10,500 people said that they had caring responsibilities

Unsurprisingly, rates of illness rise as people get older. In Oxford, less than 10% of people aged under 50 years had a limiting long-term illness, but nearly half of people aged over 65 years experienced such illness.

 People with limiting long-term illness by age and gender, 2001 (66kB PDF)

Where do people with limiting long-term illness live?

At the Census there were small areas with relatively high concentrations of people with limiting long-term illness. These include the Cutteslowe, Headington, Blackbird Leys and Iffley areas of the city.

 Map: people with limiting long-term illness, 2001 (186kB PDF)

Data sources

• 2001 Census, Office for National Statistics
• Working Age Client Group statistics, Department for Work and Pensions

Page last reviewed 2 Dec 2009