United Kingdom Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
United Kingdom's dependency ratio was 57.98 in 2025, ranked 85th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's dependency ratio stood at 57.98 in 2025, a rise of +0.04 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 57.98 by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 85th globally.
The United Kingdom’s total dependency ratio stood at 57.98 in 2025, placing it 85th among World Bank‑listed economies and marginally above Belgium’s 57.97 while remaining just below the European Union average of 57.80. The ratio, which measures the proportion of non‑working‑age persons to the working‑age population, has risen from a low of 51.16 in 2007 – the all‑time trough – to a high of 60.15 in 1973, before hovering in the upper‑fifties for the past decade. Over the 66‑year series, the upward drift reflects demographic ageing, slower fertility declines and longer life expectancy, all of which expand the elderly cohort relative to the labour force. The modest increase from the 2007 trough to the 2025 figure suggests that the post‑financial‑crisis recovery and gradual immigration have tempered the ageing pressure, yet the ratio remains above the 1970s peak. Continued improvements in labour‑force participation among older workers and policies that encourage higher fertility could flatten or reverse the upward trajectory in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 58.13 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 58.06 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 57.98 | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.98 | +0.04 | #85 |
| 2024 | 57.94 | +0.09 | #133 |
| 2023 | 57.85 | +0.22 | #133 |
| 2022 | 57.63 | +0.02 | #133 |
| 2021 | 57.61 | −0.05 | #133 |
| 2020 | 57.66 | +0.23 | #132 |
| 2019 | 57.43 | +0.43 | #135 |
| 2018 | 57.00 | +0.52 | #134 |
| 2017 | 56.48 | +0.56 | #132 |
| 2016 | 55.92 | +0.52 | #131 |
| 2015 | 55.40 | +0.56 | #123 |
| 2014 | 54.84 | +0.69 | #120 |
| 2013 | 54.15 | +0.93 | #117 |
| 2012 | 53.23 | +0.95 | #112 |
| 2011 | 52.28 | +0.54 | #111 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's dependency ratio was 57.98 in 2025. Ranked 85th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
United Kingdom's dependency ratio peaked at 60.15 in 1973.
The lowest dependency ratio in United Kingdom was 51.16 in 2007.
United Kingdom ranks 85th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's dependency ratio is projected to reach 57.98 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of United Kingdom in 2025 was 57.98. This ranks 85th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_dependency-ratio,
title = {United Kingdom Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}