Hong Kong SAR, China Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Hong Kong SAR, China's dependency ratio was 51.17 in 2025, ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 3.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's dependency ratio stood at 51.17 in 2025, a rise of +1.53 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.17 by 2025. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 143rd globally.
Hong Kong SAR’s dependency ratio has fallen sharply from an all‑time peak of 108.24 in 1963 to a trough of 33.92 in 2011, reflecting rapid demographic transition driven by low fertility and rising life expectancy. By 2025 the ratio stands at 51.17, placing the territory 143rd in the world and closely aligning with peers such as Nicaragua (51.37) and Morocco (50.94). The long‑term decline over the 66‑year series illustrates a shrinking proportion of non‑working age residents relative to the labor force, a pattern that coincides with the city’s post‑industrial economic restructuring and the expansion of higher‑education participation. Nevertheless, the modest uptick from the 2011 low suggests a gradual ageing of the population as the post‑baby‑boom cohort enters retirement age. Future shifts in immigration policy, fertility incentives, or health‑care advances will be decisive in determining whether Hong Kong’s dependency ratio resumes its downward trajectory or begins to rise again.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 54.45 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 52.81 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 51.17 | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.17 | +1.53 | #143 |
| 2024 | 49.64 | +1.84 | #62 |
| 2023 | 47.81 | +1.62 | #53 |
| 2022 | 46.19 | +1.60 | #46 |
| 2021 | 44.59 | +1.52 | #39 |
| 2020 | 43.07 | +1.35 | #30 |
| 2019 | 41.71 | +1.31 | #28 |
| 2018 | 40.40 | +1.27 | #25 |
| 2017 | 39.13 | +1.22 | #20 |
| 2016 | 37.91 | +1.07 | #14 |
| 2015 | 36.84 | +0.99 | #11 |
| 2014 | 35.85 | +0.89 | #9 |
| 2013 | 34.96 | +0.71 | #9 |
| 2012 | 34.25 | +0.33 | #9 |
| 2011 | 33.92 | −0.18 | #8 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Hong Kong SAR, China's dependency ratio was 51.17 in 2025. Ranked 143rd globally. This represents a 3.1% increase from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's dependency ratio peaked at 108.24 in 1963.
The lowest dependency ratio in Hong Kong SAR, China was 33.92 in 2011.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 143rd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's dependency ratio is projected to reach 51.17 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 51.17. This ranks 143rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_dependency-ratio,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}