China Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
China's dependency ratio was 44.62 in 2025, ranked 181st globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
China's dependency ratio stood at 44.62 in 2025, a rise of +0.38 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.62 by 2025. China ranked 181st globally.
China's dependency ratio has shown significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, ranging from an all-time high of 82.30 in 1966, during the country's tumultuous Great Leap Forward era, to a low of 37.24 in 2010. The ratio has generally trended downward since then, with the latest available figure standing at 44.62, placing China at #181 globally. Compared to its peer countries, such as Cyprus with a ratio of 44.81, China's dependency ratio is relatively low. This decrease in the ratio is largely attributed to a decline in the elderly population and an increase in working-age individuals. However, China's aging population is expected to have a significant impact on the dependency ratio in the coming years. If the country fails to implement effective policies to address its rapidly aging population, the dependency ratio is likely to increase, placing additional pressure on the country's social security systems.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 44.73 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 44.68 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 44.62 | - | - |
| 2025 | 44.62 | +0.38 | #181 |
| 2024 | 44.24 | −0.49 | #32 |
| 2023 | 44.73 | +0.00 | #36 |
| 2022 | 44.73 | +0.24 | #40 |
| 2021 | 44.48 | +0.39 | #38 |
| 2020 | 44.09 | +0.71 | #38 |
| 2019 | 43.39 | +0.85 | #33 |
| 2018 | 42.54 | +1.03 | #30 |
| 2017 | 41.51 | +1.07 | #29 |
| 2016 | 40.44 | +0.83 | #26 |
| 2015 | 39.61 | +0.73 | #22 |
| 2014 | 38.88 | +0.64 | #20 |
| 2013 | 38.24 | +0.52 | #15 |
| 2012 | 37.72 | +0.35 | #15 |
| 2011 | 37.36 | +0.12 | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's dependency ratio was 44.62 in 2025. Ranked 181st globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
China's dependency ratio peaked at 82.30 in 1966.
The lowest dependency ratio in China was 37.24 in 2010.
China ranks 181st globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's dependency ratio is projected to reach 44.62 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of China in 2025 was 44.62. This ranks 181st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_dependency-ratio,
title = {China Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}