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Rural dependency ratios higher than urban ratios in 2033, indicating a greater need in rural areas for caregiving for children and older adults

by Richelle L. Winkler
5/5/2025

Rural Economy & Population

Horizontal bar chart showing dependency ratios, which compare number of youth or older people for every 100 working-age persons, for different rural-urban continuum groupings.

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Working-age populations in rural counties are shrinking. As a result, rural populations are becoming more concentrated in younger and older age groups, which tend to require more economic support and caregiving.

Rural dependency ratios higher than urban ratios in 2033, indicating a greater need in rural areas for caregiving for children and older adults

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