27.1 percent of people with a work-limiting difficulty participated in the labor force in July 2024

In July 2024, 30.7 million people ages 16 to 75 had a work-limiting health condition or difficulty, representing 12.4 percent of the civilian noninstitutional population in this age group. Of those with a work-limiting health condition or difficulty, about one-half had a disability (15.8 million).

Among people ages 16 to 75 with a work-limiting health condition or difficulty, 27.1 percent participated in the labor force in July 2024, compared with 74.7 percent of people with no work-limiting health conditions or difficulties. This participation difference occurred among men and women and persisted across all age groups and by educational attainment. People with a work-limiting health condition or difficulty who had a disability were less likely to participate in the labor force, at 17.8 percent, compared with 37.1 percent for people in this group who did not have a disability.

These data are from the Current Population Survey. For more information, see “People with Health Conditions or Difficulties that Limit Work — July 2024.” The July 2024 supplement collected information about people ages 16 to 75 with a work-limiting health condition or difficulty, changes workers requested or made to do their job better, and challenges in finding and maintaining employment.