Australia recorded 188,421 registered deaths in 2025, an increase of 1,153 deaths compared with 2024. As per the data shared by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and released on 2 October 2026, the standardised death rate declined to 4.955 deaths per 1,000 standard population, down from 5.078 in 2024. Pasted text

The total number of registered deaths rose from 187,268 in 2024 to 188,421 in 2025. Of the total deaths registered during the year, 98,762 were males and 89,659 were females, resulting in 110.2 male deaths for every 100 female deaths. Pasted text

Standardised Death Rate Declines

The standardised death rate fell to 4.955 deaths per 1,000 standard population in 2025 from 5.078 in the previous year.

Over the decade from 2015 to 2025, the standardised death rate decreased by 0.566. The decline was larger for males, with a reduction of 0.715, while the female rate fell by 0.459 over the same period. Pasted text

The crude death rate was 6.823 deaths per 1,000 population in 2025, compared with 6.884 in 2024.

Most States Record More Deaths

Most Australian states and territories recorded an increase in registered deaths during 2025. Queensland and South Australia were the only jurisdictions to report declines.

New South Wales recorded 60,131 deaths, up by 490 from 2024, while Victoria reported 46,636 deaths, an increase of 693.

Queensland recorded 38,411 deaths, down by 490, and South Australia recorded 15,612 deaths, down by 127.

Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory recorded their highest number of deaths on record. Western Australia recorded 18,273 deaths, Tasmania 5,394 and the Northern Territory 1,449. Pasted text

The Australian Capital Territory recorded 2,482 deaths during the year.

Infant Deaths Increase in 2025

The number of infant deaths also increased during the year.

According to the ABS, 1,019 infant deaths were registered in 2025, comprising 568 boys and 451 girls. This represented a 6.5% increase from 957 infant deaths registered in 2024. Pasted text

The infant mortality rate was 3.40 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with 3.27 in 2024 and 3.25 in 2015. Pasted text

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Death Registrations Rise

The ABS also reported 6,056 registered deaths in 2025 where the person was identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This represented an increase of 453 deaths from 2024.

New South Wales recorded the largest numerical increase, with 2,064 deaths compared with 1,904 in the previous year. The Northern Territory recorded 687 deaths, up from 529, while Western Australia reported 794 deaths, compared with 704 in 2024. Pasted text

The ABS noted that recent improvements in the way Indigenous status is derived from death registration data mean that caution should be used when comparing time-series figures.

Key Takeaway

Australia recorded 188,421 deaths in 2025, slightly higher than the previous year. At the same time, the standardised death rate declined to 4.955 deaths per 1,000 standard population.

Infant deaths increased to 1,019, while most states and territories recorded higher numbers of registered deaths. Queensland and South Australia were the exceptions, recording lower totals than in 2024.