Dependency Ratio

Three generations of women bonding outdoors — Sam Edwards/OJO Images/Getty Images

Social Sciences

Sociology
Psychology
Archaeology
Economics
Environment
Ergonomics
Maritime

by Ashley Crossman

Updated March 02, 2017

Definition: The dependency ratio is the number of young and elderly people in a population divided by the total adult population. The larger the dependency ratio is, the greater the burden on the average adult because the needs of the dependents must be met by the rest of the adult population.