Plano tops the charts for economic strength, but still has room to grow in other areas
Plano once again earned national recognition, this time for its accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities. In a recent WalletHub study evaluating the 182 most populated cities in the U.S., Plano ranked 19th overall for disability-friendliness.
The city stood out in several key categories, including taking the top spot for economy, ranking 5th for employment rate among people with disabilities, and boasting the lowest percentage of people with disabilities living in poverty.
A Strong Economy, But Room To Grow
While Plano excelled economically, other areas showed room for improvement. The city ranked 107th for quality of life and 104th for health care, suggesting that while employment opportunities and financial stability are strong, there’s still progress to be made in terms of accessible health resources and community well-being.
Photo: SofikoS | Shutterstock
Challenges Nationwide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 29% of U.S. adults live with a disability that affects their major daily activities. Financially, the average monthly Social Security disability benefit as of August 2025 was $1,445.72, amounting to about $17,348 annually, just above the federal poverty line for a single person. This reality makes affordable living, quality health care and employment opportunities critical for those with disabilities.
Plano’s Path Forward
WalletHub’s study compared more than 180 cities across 33 indicators, measuring factors such as access to physicians, employment rates and park accessibility. Plano’s strong performance in employment and economic stability highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and opportunity. Yet, as its rankings for health care and quality of life show, the journey toward becoming a fully accessible and supportive city continues.
“More than one in four U.S. adults live with a disability, so it’s extremely important for cities to prioritize becoming a safe, welcoming and affordable place for this demographic,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. “The best cities have highly accessible public facilities and housing, high-quality medical care and an affordable cost of living for people on a fixed income.”
For residents with disabilities — and the broader community — Plano’s top marks in economic strength offer a promising foundation to build a more inclusive future.
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