Dependency Ratio
type: Dataset
conforms to: http://mlcommons.org/croissant/1.0
contact point: ContactPoint
date modified: 2026-08-13T13:19:05.375530
date published: 2026-08-13T13:17:58.469352
description: This indicator is an estimate of the dependency ratio - children and older people (aged 65 and over) expressed as a percentage of people aged 16 to 64. Please note the denominator for this indicator has been changed from the former working age population (16-59 years for women and 16-64 years for men) to population aged 16-64 years for both men and women. Time series on the new 16-64 basis should now be used to ensure consistent comparisons over time. The population estimates underlying this ratio are derived using the cohort-component method where Census-based estimates are updated annually by 'ageing on' the population and applying information on births, deaths and migration. Population estimates for mid-2012 to mid-2022 have been revised following Scotland's Census 2022. Births and deaths are estimated using data from the civil registration system. Migration within Scotland, and between Scotland and the rest of the UK, is estimated based on GP registration data. Long-term international migration (LTIM) estimates are based on administrative and survey data using a range of data sources, and are part of an ongoing programme of work to transform population and migration statistics. More information on the different international migration methodologies can be found on the [ONS website](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2023).
accuracy: The population estimates underlying this ratio are based on the 2022 Census and are updated annually by 'ageing on' the population and applying information on births, deaths and migration.
comment: The population of children (aged 0 to 15) and older people (aged 65 and over) expressed as a percentage of people aged 16 to 64
completeness: It is the policy of NRS to make its website and products accessible according to published guidelines. More information is available in the [accessibility section](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/accessibility) of the NRS website.
confidentiality: This dataset does not contain any sensitive or personal information.
consistency: These statistics are designed to be consistent, and incorporate comparable historical data where appropriate. Further information on the population estimates underlying this ratio can be found in the [methodology section](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-estimates/mid-year-population-estimates) of the Mid-year Population Estimates on the National Records of Scotland (NRS) website.
geographical coverage: S92
geographical coverage: S12
geographical coverage: S08
license id: uk-ogl
quality management: The population estimates underlying this ratio undergo quality assurance at each stage of production. NRS also have processes in place to quality assure the administrative sources used in the production of population estimates. Further information on the quality assurance of the population estimates underlying this ratio can be found in [methodology section](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-estimates/mid-year-population-estimates) of the Mid-year Population Estimates of the National Records of Scotland (NRS) website.
reference period: PeriodOfTime
  end date: 2022
  start date: 2001
timeliness: The estimates underlying this ratio refer to the population as at 30 June each year. Mid-year population estimates at Scotland and its Council and Health Board areas are usually published by NRS in spring each year. The dates of publications are preannounced on the [future publications section](https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/future-publications) of the NRS website.
uniqueness: Not assessed
update frequency: annual
validity: Dependency ratios provide a simple summary measure of age composition, with respect to relative numbers of 'dependent' and 'productive' groups.
will be updated: false
included in data catalog: CKAN
keywords: Population
license: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
record set: records

National Records of Scotland
type: Organization
contact point: ContactPoint
  contact type: customer service

DateCode
type: Field
data type: Integer
source:
  extract:
    column: DateCode

population-estimates-dependency.csv
type: FileObject
description: Data file for Dependency Ratio
comment: The population of children (aged 0 to 15) and older people (aged 65 and over) expressed as a percentage of people aged 16 to 64
dictionary: Column
  column: DateCode
  type: int
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyType
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyName
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Units
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: GeographyCode
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Measurement
  type: text
dictionary: Column
  column: Value
  type: float
encoding format: CSV

GeographyType
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyType

GeographyCode
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyCode

Value
type: Field
data type: Float
source:
  extract:
    column: Value

Measurement
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Measurement

Units
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: Units

GeographyName
type: Field
data type: Text
source:
  extract:
    column: GeographyName