New Zealand Death Rate
Crude death rate per 1,000 people SP.DYN.CDRT.IN
New Zealand's death rate was 7.7 in 2025, ranked 96th globally. This represents a 6.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's death rate stood at 7.7 in 2025, a rise of +0.5 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.7 by 2025. New Zealand ranked 96th globally.
New Zealand’s death rate has fallen steadily over the 65‑year series, moving from an early‑period level of 8.79 in 1960 to a record low of 6.41 in 2020 before rising modestly to 7.71 in 2025, placing the country 96th globally. The all‑time peak of 8.98 in 1961 reflects the post‑war health environment, while the 2020 trough coincided with advances in medical technology, improved chronic disease management and sustained public‑health initiatives. The 2025 figure matches Guyana’s rate of 7.71 and is close to Indonesia’s 7.73, underscoring that New Zealand now shares a mortality profile with middle‑income nations despite its high‑income status. The recent uptick suggests a slight reversal, yet the long‑term trajectory remains downward; continued investment in preventive care, ageing‑population policies and health‑system resilience will be decisive in determining whether the death rate resumes its decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Death Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 7.9 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 7.7 | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.7 | +0.5 | #96 |
| 2023 | 7.2 | −0.3 | #108 |
| 2022 | 7.5 | +0.7 | #110 |
| 2021 | 6.8 | +0.4 | #63 |
| 2020 | 6.4 | −0.5 | #60 |
| 2019 | 6.9 | +0.1 | #94 |
| 2018 | 6.8 | −0.1 | #92 |
| 2017 | 6.9 | +0.3 | #91 |
| 2016 | 6.6 | −0.2 | #78 |
| 2015 | 6.9 | −0.0 | #87 |
| 2014 | 6.9 | +0.2 | #83 |
| 2013 | 6.7 | −0.2 | #78 |
| 2012 | 6.8 | −0.0 | #85 |
| 2011 | 6.9 | +0.3 | #85 |
| 2010 | 6.5 | −0.2 | #77 |
Analysis
New Zealand's death rate was 7.7 in 2025, a rise of +0.5 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 7.7 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's death rate was 7.7 in 2025. Ranked 96th globally. This represents a 6.6% increase from the previous year.
New Zealand's death rate peaked at 9.0 in 1961.
The lowest death rate in New Zealand was 6.4 in 2020.
New Zealand ranks 96th globally in death rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.CDRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's death rate is projected to reach 7.7 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The death rate of New Zealand in 2025 was 7.7. This ranks 96th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_death-rate,
title = {New Zealand Death Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/death-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}