Puerto Rico (US) Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Puerto Rico (US)'s dependency ratio was 57.48 in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Puerto Rico (US)'s dependency ratio stood at 57.48 in 2025, a rise of +0.38 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.48 by 2025. Puerto Rico (US) ranked 92nd globally.
Puerto Rico's dependency ratio, a measure of the proportion of dependents to the working-age population, has fluctuated significantly over the past 66 years. Notably, the all-time peak of 89.68 in 1960 reflects the island's relatively high elderly population at the time. Conversely, the all-time trough of 52.83 in 2014 suggests a more balanced demographic structure. As of 2025, Puerto Rico's dependency ratio stands at 57.48, placing it among countries with relatively high dependency ratios, alongside Italy and Moldova. The dependency ratio has been steadily decreasing since 2014, indicating a shift towards a more favorable demographic profile. However, the ongoing low birth rates and aging population in Puerto Rico may continue to challenge the island's economic growth and social security systems. A significant increase in fertility rates or a substantial influx of working-age migrants could alter this trajectory and help mitigate the island's dependency ratio in the future.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 58.09 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 57.79 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 57.48 | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.48 | +0.38 | #92 |
| 2024 | 57.10 | +0.24 | #124 |
| 2023 | 56.86 | +0.16 | #122 |
| 2022 | 56.70 | +0.37 | #121 |
| 2021 | 56.33 | +0.49 | #120 |
| 2020 | 55.84 | +0.28 | #117 |
| 2019 | 55.56 | +0.06 | #114 |
| 2018 | 55.50 | +1.14 | #120 |
| 2017 | 54.36 | +1.26 | #114 |
| 2016 | 53.10 | +0.24 | #106 |
| 2015 | 52.86 | +0.03 | #107 |
| 2014 | 52.83 | −0.23 | #109 |
| 2013 | 53.06 | −0.53 | #109 |
| 2012 | 53.59 | −0.81 | #113 |
| 2011 | 54.40 | −0.85 | #121 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Puerto Rico (US) matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 1981. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Puerto Rico (US)'s dependency ratio was 57.48 in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous year.
Puerto Rico (US)'s dependency ratio peaked at 89.68 in 1960.
The lowest dependency ratio in Puerto Rico (US) was 52.83 in 2014.
Puerto Rico (US) ranks 92nd globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Puerto Rico (US)'s dependency ratio is projected to reach 57.48 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Puerto Rico (US) in 2025 was 57.48. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_puerto-rico-us_dependency-ratio,
title = {Puerto Rico (US) Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/puerto-rico-us/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}