Insee Focus · October 2025 · n° 364

Deaths in 2024 Slight increase in deaths

In 2024, 643,200 people died in France, an increase of 0.3% compared to 2023 (taking into account the fact that 2024 was a leap year). This slight increase could be explained by the large baby boom generations reaching ages of high mortality. Given the ageing of these generations and increases in life expectancy, the average age at death continued to rise: in 2024, the deceased were on average 79.4 years old, almost 2 years older than 10 years ago.

At every age up to 95, deaths most often occurred in a healthcare facility. However, young people, and especially young men, more prone to road accidents or risky behaviours, died significantly more than others on public roads or in public places.

In 2023, life expectancy at age 65 in France was higher than the European Union average: it stood at 19.7 years for men (18.3 years in the EU) and 23.4 years for women (21.8 years in the EU).