The Child Dependency Ratio (CDR), available through the American Community Survey (ACS), measures the number of individuals under age 18 relative to the working-age population (ages 18–64) in a given area. It is calculated as the number of children divided by the working-age population, expressed as a percentage, multiplied by 100. This ratio provides insight into the demographic structure of a community and indicates the potential demand for early childhood resources, such as childcare, education, and health services. Higher ratios indicate a greater dependency and may signal the need for expanded family support and child-focused infrastructure.
Why Does this Matter?
- Demand for Child Services
- A higher CDR signals a larger share of children relative to working-age adults, indicating greater demand for child care centers, early education programs, and pediatric services.
- Economic and Workforce Implications
- Communities with high dependency ratios often experience increased economic pressure on working adults, affecting affordability and access to quality child care.
- Resource Allocation and Policy Planning
- Helps policymakers identify neighborhoods with concentrated child populations, guiding investments in schools, Head Start programs, and early learning initiatives.