Table of Contents

Understanding the Dependency Ratio: Definition and Calculation Guide

By

Adam Hayes

Updated September 28, 2025

Reviewed by

Robert C. Kelly

Fact checked by

Vikki Velasquez

Definition

The dependency ratio is a demographic measure that compares the number of dependents ages 0 to 14 and over 65 to the total working-age population ages 15 to 64.

What Is the Dependency Ratio?

The dependency ratio is a measure of the number of dependents aged zero to 14 and over the age of 65, compared with the total population aged 15 to 64. This indicator shows how many people are not working compared to those who are.

It is also used to understand the relative economic burden of the workforce and has ramifications for taxation. The dependency ratio is also referred to as the total or youth dependency ratio.

Key Takeaways

The dependency ratio measures the number of dependents versus those of working age (15-64) in a population.
A high dependency ratio indicates a greater economic burden on the workforce to support non-working age individuals.
Factors like birth rates and immigration can significantly impact a country's dependency ratio.
A lower dependency ratio suggests a healthier economy with less strain on the workforce and government resources.

How to Calculate the Dependency Ratio

$\text{Dependency Ratio} = \frac{\# \text{ Dependents}}{\text{Population Aged 15 to 64}} \cdot 100$

Understanding the Implications of the Dependency Ratio

A high dependency ratio means those of working age, and the overall economy, face a greater burden in supporting the aging population. The youth dependency ratio includes those only under 15, and the elderly dependency ratio focuses on those over 64.

The dependency ratio focuses on separating those of working age, deemed between the ages of 15 and 64 years of age, from those of non-working age. This also provides an accounting of those who have the potential to earn their own income and who are most likely to not earn their own income.

Various employment regulations make it unlikely that individuals less than 15 years old would get employed for any personal income. A person who turns 65 years old is generally considered to be of normal retirement age and is not necessarily expected to be part of the workforce. It is the lack of income potential that generally qualifies those under 15 and over 64 as dependents as it is often necessary for them to receive outside support to meet their needs.

Analyzing Changes and Trends in Dependency Ratios

Dependency ratios are generally reviewed to compare the percentage of the total population, classified as working age, that will support the rest of the non-working age population. This provides an overview for economists to track shifts in the population.

As the percentage of non-working citizens rises, those who are working are likely subject to increased taxes to compensate for the larger dependent population.

At times, the dependency ratio is adjusted to reflect a more accurate dependency. This is due to the fact those over 64 often require more government assistance than dependents under the age of 15. As the population ages, the ratio changes to reflect the greater needs of older people.

Practical Example: Calculating a Country's Dependency Ratio

For example, assume that the mythical country of Investopedialand has a population of 1,000 people, and there are 250 children under the age of 15, 500 people between the ages of 15 and 64, and 250 people aged 65 and older. The youth dependency ratio is 50%, or 250/500.

Recognizing the Limitations of the Dependency Ratio

The dependency ratio uses age to decide if someone is economically active. Other factors may determine if a person is economically active aside from age, including status as a student, illness or disability, stay-at-home parents, early retirement, and the long-term unemployed. Some people also continue working past age 64.

What Is a Good Dependency Ratio?

A good dependency ratio is a low dependency ratio. A low dependency ratio indicates that there is a sufficient number of people in the workforce that can support the dependent population. Lower dependency ratios typically signify better healthcare for aging adults as well as higher pensions. A high dependency ratio, on the other hand, indicates stress on the economy as the dependent population is too large to be supported by the workforce.

Which Country Has the Lowest Dependency Ratio?

As of 2022, the country with the lowest dependency ratio is United Arab Emirates, with a ratio of 20.57. The country with the highest dependency ratio at 105.13 is Niger. The United States has a dependency ratio of 54.05.

What Affects the Dependency Ratio?

Age is the primary factor that affects the dependency ratio, as that determines who is and is not included in the workforce. The demographics of a nation, however, are affected by a variety of factors, such as birth rates, immigration policies, and other government policies (such as China's previous one-child policy). If a country can attract foreign workers, it will help grow the workforce, similarly, if the birth rate is high, then there will be enough individuals to replace the portion of the workforce that retires. These factors would help lower the dependency ratio.

The Bottom Line

The dependency ratio is a demographic indicator that measures the number of dependents aged zero to 14 and over the age of 65, compared with the total population aged 15 to 64. It is analyzed to determine the people of working age versus those of non-working age, which aids in understanding taxation, which in turn impacts the government's revenue and, therefore, various aspects of the nation.

A lower dependency ratio is ideal as it signifies less of a burden on the workforce in supporting those who are not working.

Article Sources

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The CIA World Factbook. "Dependency Ratios."
U.S. Department of Labor. "Non-Agricultural Jobs - 14-15."
U.S. Department of Labor. "Workers Under 18."
Social Security Administration. "Normal Retirement Age."
The Global Economy.com "Age Dependency Ratio - Country Rankings."

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