Australia Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Australia's dependency ratio was 55.63 in 2025, ranked 104th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Australia's dependency ratio stood at 55.63 in 2025, a rise of +0.42 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 55.63 by 2025. Australia ranked 104th globally.
Australia's dependency ratio has fluctuated significantly over the past 66 years, with the country experiencing an all-time peak of 63.25 in 1961 and a trough of 48.13 in 2008. Currently, the dependency ratio stands at 55.63, ranking Australia at number 104 globally. This relatively high ratio compared to some of its peers, such as Hungary at 55.37, suggests a notable proportion of the population is reliant on the working-age population for support. The ratio has generally trended downwards since 2008, indicating a gradual shift in the demographic landscape. In comparison, countries like Cambodia, with a dependency ratio of 55.76, are experiencing a similar trend. The ongoing aging of the population and changes in fertility rates are expected to continue influencing the dependency ratio in Australia, potentially leading to a further increase in the coming years unless significant policy interventions or demographic shifts occur.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 56.39 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 56.01 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 55.63 | - | - |
| 2025 | 55.63 | +0.42 | #104 |
| 2024 | 55.21 | +0.38 | #113 |
| 2023 | 54.83 | +0.25 | #111 |
| 2022 | 54.58 | +0.33 | #108 |
| 2021 | 54.26 | +0.65 | #104 |
| 2020 | 53.61 | +0.69 | #96 |
| 2019 | 52.92 | +0.47 | #96 |
| 2018 | 52.45 | +0.40 | #93 |
| 2017 | 52.04 | +0.44 | #92 |
| 2016 | 51.60 | +0.54 | #93 |
| 2015 | 51.06 | +0.57 | #92 |
| 2014 | 50.49 | +0.57 | #92 |
| 2013 | 49.92 | +0.60 | #90 |
| 2012 | 49.33 | +0.56 | #84 |
| 2011 | 48.77 | +0.40 | #81 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's dependency ratio was 55.63 in 2025. Ranked 104th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Australia's dependency ratio peaked at 63.25 in 1961.
The lowest dependency ratio in Australia was 48.13 in 2008.
Australia ranks 104th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Australia's dependency ratio is projected to reach 55.63 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Australia in 2025 was 55.63. This ranks 104th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_dependency-ratio,
title = {Australia Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}