The dependency ratio is an agepopulation ratio of those typically not in the labor force (the dependent part) and those typically in the labor force (the productive part). It is used to measure the pressure on productive population. The higher the ratio, the more people there are in a region who depend on others for care.
![Dependency ratios and median age for Dakotafire counties Dependency ratios and median age for Dakotafire counties](https://dakotafire.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dependency-ratio-660x330.jpg)
The dependency ratio is an agepopulation ratio of those typically not in the labor force (the dependent part) and those typically in the labor force (the productive part). It is used to measure the pressure on productive population. The higher the ratio, the more people there are in a region who depend on others for care. Graphic by Troy McQuillen