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November 4, 2004 North Dakota Dependency Ratio Expected to Increase According to 2003 population estimates from the Census Bureau, for every 100 working-age residents in North Dakota, there were approximately 54 nonworking-age residents. If the age distribution patterns of the 1990s continue, 2020 projections indicate that this ratio will rise to 71 nonworking-age residents for every 100 residents of working age. In addition, 18 counties throughout the state are projected to have more dependents than workers by 2020. This month’s “Population Bulletin,” a monthly publication from the North Dakota State Data Center at North Dakota State University, focuses on North Dakota’s dependency ratio, which measures the dependence that nonworking-age people have on working-age people. It indicates the economic responsibility of those active in providing for those who are not. The dependency ratio combines the proportion of people who are not of working age, either because they are less than 16 years old or because they are 65 years or older (retirement age) and compares this total with the proportion of people of working ages (16 to 64 years of age). “The dramatic upward shift in this ratio illustrates the strains that will be placed on budgets,” says Richard Rathge, Data Center director. “These challenges will be disproportionately greater in our state’s rural areas, those least positioned to deal with more burden.” While the dependency ratio does not accurately capture people who are economically inactive, it helps to show the changing age distribution of potential dependents throughout the state. In 1990, the majority of nonworking-age residents in North Dakota were youth less than 16 years old. By 2020, retirement-age residents 65 years and older will capture the majority of nonworking-age residents in the state. This shift in age structure will impact the types of decisions needed to provide services to an older, nonworking population. ### Source: Richard
Rathge, (701) 231-8621, richard.rathge@ndsu.nodak.edu
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