Dependency Ratio
Definition
The ratio of the non-working-age population (children under 15 and adults over 64) to the working-age population (15-64). Expressed as a percentage: a ratio of 50 means there are 50 dependents for every 100 working-age people.
Why It Matters
A high dependency ratio means fewer workers supporting more dependents through taxes and family support. Aging societies face rising dependency ratios that strain pension systems, healthcare, and public finances.
How It's Measured
Calculated from age distribution data: (population under 15 + population over 64) / (population 15-64) x 100.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
The ratio of the non-working-age population (children under 15 and adults over 64) to the working-age population (15-64). Expressed as a percentage: a ratio of 50 means there are 50 dependents for every 100 working-age people.
A high dependency ratio means fewer workers supporting more dependents through taxes and family support. Aging societies face rising dependency ratios that strain pension systems, healthcare, and public finances.
Calculated from age distribution data: (population under 15 + population over 64) / (population 15-64) x 100.
this entity is one of the U.S. population demographics concepts that recurs across this site. The definition above is the technical answer; the paragraphs below add the practical context for how the concept connects to the the U.S. Census Bureau ACS and decennial files data behind every per-entity page on the site.
In the the U.S. Census Bureau ACS and decennial files data, this concept shapes one or more of the fields that drive the per-entity grades and rankings on this site. The methodology page describes which fields feed into which output; this glossary entry documents the underlying term.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.