United States Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
United States's dependency ratio was 54.86 in 2025, ranked 110th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United States's dependency ratio stood at 54.86 in 2025, a rise of +0.41 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 54.86 by 2025. United States ranked 110th globally.
The United States’ total dependency ratio stood at 54.86 in 2025, placing it 110th in the world and slightly above the level recorded for Poland (54.60) and just below New Zealand (55.05). After a steady decline from an early‑year high of 66.94 in 1960, the ratio fell to its all‑time trough of 47.77 in 2007, reflecting the post‑baby‑boom contraction of the young‑dependent population and the gradual ageing of the workforce. Since that low, the ratio has risen modestly each year, reaching its current figure after 66 years of data collection. The upward movement mirrors demographic shifts such as increased life expectancy and the retirement of the baby‑boom cohort, which expand the elderly‑dependent share while fertility rates remain below replacement. If immigration policies remain unchanged and fertility does not rebound, the dependency ratio is likely to continue its gradual ascent, heightening pressure on social security and health‑care systems.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 55.79 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 55.32 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 54.86 | - | - |
| 2025 | 54.86 | +0.41 | #110 |
| 2024 | 54.45 | +0.54 | #105 |
| 2023 | 53.91 | +0.53 | #100 |
| 2022 | 53.38 | +0.43 | #96 |
| 2021 | 52.95 | +0.36 | #91 |
| 2020 | 52.59 | +0.43 | #90 |
| 2019 | 52.16 | +0.47 | #87 |
| 2018 | 51.69 | +0.46 | #85 |
| 2017 | 51.24 | +0.45 | #86 |
| 2016 | 50.79 | +0.41 | #82 |
| 2015 | 50.38 | +0.42 | #86 |
| 2014 | 49.96 | +0.46 | #86 |
| 2013 | 49.50 | +0.51 | #84 |
| 2012 | 48.99 | +0.48 | #81 |
| 2011 | 48.51 | +0.27 | #77 |
Analysis
United States's dependency ratio was 54.86 in 2025, a rise of +0.41 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 54.86 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's dependency ratio was 54.86 in 2025. Ranked 110th globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
United States's dependency ratio peaked at 67.61 in 1961.
The lowest dependency ratio in United States was 47.77 in 2007.
United States ranks 110th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's dependency ratio is projected to reach 54.86 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of United States in 2025 was 54.86. This ranks 110th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_dependency-ratio,
title = {United States Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}