Dependency Ratios

There is a term in the study of demographics called "dependency ratios". It refers to the number of dependent residents in a community compared to the number of working age persons. The ratio is important because, even though all members of a community are consumers, only a certain number are producers.

In an article in this month's issue of Georgia's Cities, author and UGA Professor Douglas Bachtel points out that large numbers of citizens under the age of 18 or over the age of 64 present special problems for communities. He states that, "a community with a larger proportion of its population producing goods and services is economically better off than a community with a smaller proportion of producers." Unfortunately, Burke County falls in the latter category.

Along with many of our neighboring rural counties and a large number in the southwestern part of the state, Burke falls in the group with between 66 and 84 dependent persons for every 100 of working age. The statewide ratio is 56.5 per 100.

The consequences of these numbers for community leaders are numerous. First and foremost is the continuing need to provide services to both the young and the old, such as education, healthcare and other social services. Following close behind is the problem of providing a viable workforce to staff new industries and retail or service establishments. Too often economic development incentives such as tax breaks end up providing jobs for residents of neighboring counties.

This is a complex problem, and as Professor Bachtel points out, one that can only be successfully addressed by "a group of concerned decision makers and citizens working together who are committed to improving the community".

We suggest addressing the basic needs of a community - public safety, housing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, recreation, and transportation - the things that improve quality of life for all citizens. If we take care of the basics, everything else will be much easier to deal with.