Description of the Indicator
For this ratio, children are considered age 14 and under, and seniors are considered age 65 and older.
Why is it important?
This indicator is important because different age groups have different needs. A higher proportion of children means more demand for educational services, childcare, and youth programs. A higher proportion of seniors increases the demand for healthcare, retirement benefits, and senior services, such as assisted living and long-term care. The ratio helps leaders plan for infrastructure and resource needs, supporting both generations.
Furthermore, a high ratio of children to seniors suggests that there will be a larger future workforce, potentially contributing to economic growth. Conversely, a higher ratio of seniors to children can indicate a shrinking labor force, leading to challenges in maintaining productivity, economic stability, and funding for social programs. The balance between these groups helps forecast future labor market needs. A higher ratio of seniors to children also puts pressure on pension and retirement systems because fewer working-age individuals will contribute to those systems to support a growing retired population. This can affect government spending, taxes, and the sustainability of social safety nets, making it essential to monitor these ratios for long-term fiscal planning.
How is the region performing?
The ratio of children to seniors in Lackawanna County was 0.83 in 2023 – the lowest since 2020. The ratio in Luzerne County was also 0.83, remaining relatively steady since 2021. Wayne County experienced minimal change in recent years. All parts of the region yielded lower ratios than the state (0.89).