Unlocking the Purchasing Power of People with Disabilities
People with disabilities represent one of the largest and most overlooked consumer markets globally, with trillions in disposable income and significant spending power in the United States. Yet many businesses do not fully recognize this potential. Better understanding and responding to this market can improve customer experience while driving innovation and growth.
AIR’s study examines disposable and discretionary income among working-age adults with disabilities, including variation across states and disability types.
Insights from Our Study
Discretionary income is what remains after taxes, essential living expenses (like food and housing), and required costs.
Working-age adults with disabilities hold substantial economic power, with approximately $674.3 billion in disposable income, including $107 billion in discretionary income. On average, individuals with disabilities earned $39,613 in 2024, compared to $68,069 for those without disabilities.
This report builds on prior research, including a 2018 AIR report. Because AIR used a different, more robust methodology in this study, the 2026 estimates are not directly comparable to 2018 and should not be used to quantify changes in the disability marketplace or the purchasing power of people with disabilities. Instead, the two should be viewed as distinct snapshots that suggest growth over time.
Recognizing this purchasing power can help businesses, policymakers, and organizations better serve this population while unlocking opportunities for future growth. AIR’s research was funded by Disability:IN, a nonprofit focused on disability inclusion in business.
