China Death Rate
Crude death rate per 1,000 people SP.DYN.CDRT.IN
China's death rate was 8.1 in 2025, ranked 89th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
China's death rate stood at 8.1 in 2025, a rise of +0.2 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.1 by 2025. China ranked 89th globally.
China's death rate has undergone a significant transformation since 1960, when it stood at 25.43 deaths per 1,000 people, the all-time peak recorded over the 65-year period. By 1979, the rate had declined sharply to a historical low of 6.21, reflecting improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and living standards. In 2025, the death rate is estimated at 8.06 per 1,000 population, placing China 89th globally, slightly above Brazil's 7.90 and below Armenia's 8.20. This recent uptick from the 1979 trough is largely attributed to demographic aging, as the proportion of the population aged 65 and over has grown substantially. Unlike earlier decades, when mortality decline was driven by falling infant and child mortality, current trends are shaped by an aging cohort and non-communicable diseases. The trajectory is expected to continue rising gradually in the coming decades unless offset by medical advancements or policy interventions targeting elderly health and longevity.
Data & projection
| Year | Death Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 8.2 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.1 | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.1 | +0.2 | #89 |
| 2023 | 7.9 | +0.5 | #129 |
| 2022 | 7.4 | +0.2 | #104 |
| 2021 | 7.2 | +0.1 | #76 |
| 2020 | 7.1 | −0.0 | #85 |
| 2019 | 7.1 | +0.0 | #103 |
| 2018 | 7.1 | +0.0 | #101 |
| 2017 | 7.1 | +0.0 | #99 |
| 2016 | 7.0 | −0.0 | #94 |
| 2015 | 7.1 | −0.0 | #94 |
| 2014 | 7.1 | −0.0 | #93 |
| 2013 | 7.1 | +0.0 | #94 |
| 2012 | 7.1 | −0.0 | #94 |
| 2011 | 7.1 | +0.0 | #95 |
| 2010 | 7.1 | +0.0 | #93 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw death rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's death rate was 8.1 in 2025. Ranked 89th globally. This represents a 2.4% increase from the previous year.
China's death rate peaked at 25.4 in 1960.
The lowest death rate in China was 6.2 in 1979.
China ranks 89th globally in death rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.CDRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's death rate is projected to reach 8.1 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The death rate of China in 2025 was 8.1. This ranks 89th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_death-rate,
title = {China Death Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/death-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}