DEATH RATES



Crude death rates

Given the ageing of Australia's population, the overall decline in the crude death rate indicates a considerable decline in age-specific death rates over the 2001 to 2011 period. In 2011, the crude death rate was 6.5 per 1,000 population, decreasing from 6.6 in 2001. For detailed data, see data cube Table 2: Death rates, Summary, States and territories - 2001 to 2011.


Age-specific death rates

In 2011, people aged 5-9 years and 10-14 years had the lowest age-specific death rates (ASDRs) in Australia. ASDRs begin to increase from around 15 years of age. For nearly all age groups, ASDRs are higher for males than for females. The exceptions are in the age groups 1-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years, where the ASDRs for males and females are the same.

Age-specific death rates for males increase gradually until around age 40-44 years, after which they begin to increase more quickly throughout the older age groups. Age-specific death rates for females aged 15 to 34 years are relatively low and constant. Steady increases in female ASDRs are evident beyond 45-49 years of age and continue throughout the older age groups.


Standardised death rates

Australia

The standardised death rate (SDR) for Australia decreased to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 standard population in 2011, down from 5.7 in 2010 and 6.6 in 2001 (see graph 1.3).


States and territories

In 2011, the Northern Territory had the highest SDR (7.3 deaths per 1,000 standard population), followed by Tasmania (6.5) and New South Wales and Queensland (each 5.7). The Australian Capital Territory had the lowest SDR (5.1).

Over the past 10 years, all states and territories experienced declines in SDRs. The Northern Territory experienced the largest decline (from 9.4 deaths per 1,000 standard population in 2001 to 7.3 in 2011). New South Wales experienced the smallest decline (from 6.6 to 5.7 over the same period) (see graph 1.4).


Remoteness areas

In 2011, the standardised death rate was lowest in Australia's Major Cities, with 5.6 deaths per 1,000 standard population, followed by Inner Regional (6.2), Outer Regional (6.5), Remote (7.0) and Very Remote (8.2).

Infant mortality shows a similar pattern in respect of remoteness areas. In 2011, the infant mortality rate was lowest in Major Cities (3.6 deaths per 1000 live births) and highest in Very Remote areas (9.2 deaths per 1000 live births). For detailed data, see data cube Table 7: Deaths, Summary, Remoteness Areas - 2006 to 2011.