Deaths by Age Group
Of the 62.0M people who die every year, when in life does death strike? The answer varies enormously — from the vulnerability of newborns to the inevitability of old age.
70–84
Age group with most deaths
5–14
Safest age group (lowest rate)
56%
Of all deaths are in people 70+
Deaths per year by age group
Explore each age group
Under 5
Children under five account for roughly 8% of all global deaths despite making up about 9% of the population.
5.0M
/ year
8% of all
5 to 14
The safest age to be alive.
700.0K
/ year
1% of all
15 to 29
Young adulthood is when external causes overtake disease as the primary killer.
2.2M
/ year
4% of all
30 to 49
The transition decade.
4.5M
/ year
7% of all
50 to 69
The age group where chronic disease dominates.
15.0M
/ year
24% of all
70 to 84
The age group that accounts for the largest share of global deaths.
20.0M
/ year
32% of all
85 and over
The fastest-growing age group on earth.
14.6M
/ year
24% of all
Death rate comparison
Deaths per 1,000 people per year — showing how risk changes across the human lifespan.
| Age group | Deaths / year | Population | Rate per 1,000 | #1 cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | 5.0M | 678.0M | 7.4 | Neonatal conditions |
| 5–14 years | 700.0K | 1280.0M | 0.5 | Road injuries |
| 15–29 years | 2.2M | 1850.0M | 1.2 | Road injuries |
| 30–49 years | 4.5M | 2100.0M | 2.1 | Cardiovascular disease |
| 50–69 years | 15.0M | 1400.0M | 10.7 | Cardiovascular disease |
| 70–84 years | 20.0M | 450.0M | 44.4 | Cardiovascular disease |
| 85+ years | 14.6M | 85.0M | 171.8 | Cardiovascular disease |