Canada Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Canada's dependency ratio was 54.28 in 2025, ranked 114th globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Canada's dependency ratio stood at 54.28 in 2025, a rise of +0.65 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 54.28 by 2025. Canada ranked 114th globally.
Canada's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of the population that is dependent on the working-age population, has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 66 years. At its peak in 1962, the ratio reached 71.17, indicating a high burden on the working-age population. However, this trend reversed in 2007, with the ratio declining to 43.97, its lowest point. This decline continued until 2025, when the ratio stabilized at 54.28, ranking Canada 114th globally. Notably, Switzerland, a peer country, shares a similar ratio of 54.36, highlighting Canada's relative position within the developed world. The significant decline in the dependency ratio since 2007 suggests a shift towards a more favorable demographic balance, potentially driven by declining fertility rates and an aging population. However, this trend may be influenced by Canada's aging population, which will likely impact the dependency ratio in the coming years, potentially leading to increased pressure on the working-age population to support the growing number of dependents.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 55.46 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 54.87 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 54.28 | - | - |
| 2025 | 54.28 | +0.65 | #114 |
| 2024 | 53.64 | +0.58 | #95 |
| 2023 | 53.05 | +0.41 | #94 |
| 2022 | 52.65 | +0.61 | #91 |
| 2021 | 52.03 | +0.84 | #88 |
| 2020 | 51.20 | +0.79 | #80 |
| 2019 | 50.41 | +0.68 | #74 |
| 2018 | 49.73 | +0.64 | #71 |
| 2017 | 49.10 | +0.71 | #68 |
| 2016 | 48.39 | +0.80 | #64 |
| 2015 | 47.59 | +0.82 | #62 |
| 2014 | 46.77 | +0.78 | #59 |
| 2013 | 45.99 | +0.75 | #52 |
| 2012 | 45.24 | +0.62 | #50 |
| 2011 | 44.62 | +0.37 | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's dependency ratio was 54.28 in 2025. Ranked 114th globally. This represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year.
Canada's dependency ratio peaked at 71.17 in 1962.
The lowest dependency ratio in Canada was 43.97 in 2007.
Canada ranks 114th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's dependency ratio is projected to reach 54.28 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Canada in 2025 was 54.28. This ranks 114th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_dependency-ratio,
title = {Canada Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}