The median age in India was 27 years old in 2020, meaning half the population was older than that, half younger. This figure was lowest in 1970, at 18.1 years, and was projected to increase to 47.8 years old by 2100. Aging in India India has the second largest population in the world, after China. Because of the significant population growth of the past years, the age distribution remains skewed in favor of the younger age bracket. This tells a story of rapid population growth, but also of a lower life expectancy. Economic effects of a young population Many young people means that the Indian economy must support a large number of students, who demand education from the economy but cannot yet work. Educating the future workforce will be important, because the economy is growing as well and is one of the largest in the world. Failing to do this could lead to high youth unemployment and political consequences. However, a productive and young workforce could provide huge economic returns for India.

The statistic shows the life expectancy at birth in India from 2013 to 2023. The average life expectancy at birth in India in 2023 was 72 years. Standard of living in India India is one of the so-called BRIC countries, an acronym which stands for Brazil, Russia, India and China, the four states considered the major emerging market countries. They are all in a similar advanced economic state and are expected to advance even further. India is also among the twenty leading countries with the largest gross domestic product / GDP, and the twenty countries with the largest proportion of global gross domestic product / GDP based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). Its unemployment rate has been stable over the past few years; India is also among the leading import and export countries worldwide. This alone should put India in a relatively comfortable position economically speaking, however, parts of the population of India are struggling with poverty and health problems. When looking at a comparison of the median age of the population in selected countries – i.e. one half of the population is older and the other half is younger –, it can be seen that the median age of the Indian population is about twenty years less than that of the Germans or Japanese. In fact, the median age in India is significantly lower than the median age of the population of the other emerging BRIC countries – Russia, China and Brazil. Additionally, the total population of India has been steadily increasing. Regarding life expectancy, India is neither among the countries with the highest, nor among those with the lowest life expectancy at birth. The majority of the Indian population is aged between 15 and 64 years, with only about 5 percent being older than 64.

Life expectancy in India was 25.4 in the year 1800, and over the course of the next 220 years, it has increased to almost 70. Between 1800 and 1920, life expectancy in India remained in the mid to low twenties, with the largest declines coming in the 1870s and 1910s; this was because of the Great Famine of 1876-1878, and the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918-1919, both of which were responsible for the deaths of up to six and seventeen million Indians respectively; as well as the presence of other endemic diseases in the region, such as smallpox. From 1920 onwards, India's life expectancy has consistently increased, but it is still below the global average.

Life expectancy at birth, male (years) in India was reported at 70.52 years in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Life expectancy at birth, male (years) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2026.

The projected median age of population in India, at national level, was expected to go up to more than 34 years by 2036 versus almost 25 years in 2011. At state level, Tamil Nadu reflected the highest projected median age with over 40 years in 2036 versus nearly 30 years in 2011.

The projected median age of population of a country is contingent upon several health metrics such as the fertility rate, birth rate, and mortality rate. For instance, if a country or state sees a lower fertility and mortality rate, the geriatric population is expected to increase proportionally.

Life expectancy at birth, female (years) in India was reported at 73.6 years in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Life expectancy at birth, female (years) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2026.

This dataset provides a comprehensive overview of the demographic trends and population statistics of India. It includes various aspects of the population, such as total population figures, gender distribution, religious composition, linguistic diversity, and age group breakdowns. The dataset aims to facilitate research and analysis in the fields of sociology, economics, and public policy by offering valuable insights into the demographic dynamics of India.

Key Features: - Census Data: Detailed population statistics based on census years, including total population, male and female counts, and differences between genders. - Religious Demographics: Information on the population distribution among different religions, along with percentages. - Language Distribution: Data on the number of speakers for various languages in India and their corresponding percentages. - Vital Statistics: Key indicators such as live births, deaths, natural changes, crude birth rates, and total fertility rates. - Age Distribution: Breakdown of the population by age group, including gender-specific counts and percentages.

Purpose: This dataset serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and educators interested in understanding the demographic landscape of India. It can be used for various analyses, including population growth trends, gender ratios, and the impact of cultural diversity on the social fabric of the nation.

Historical data for Median age of population in India from 2020 to 2026

Graph and download economic data for Life Expectancy at Birth, Total for India (SPDYNLE00ININD) from 1960 to 2023 about life expectancy, birth, life, and India.

India Projection: Population: 10 Years: Age: 20-24 data was reported at 124,693,062.000 Person in 2031. This records an increase from the previous number of 119,917,327.000 Person for 2021. India Projection: Population: 10 Years: Age: 20-24 data is updated yearly, averaging 122,305,194.500 Person from Mar 2021 (Median) to 2031, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 124,693,062.000 Person in 2031 and a record low of 119,917,327.000 Person in 2021. India Projection: Population: 10 Years: Age: 20-24 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAI002: Population Projection: 10 Years: by Age Group.

India: Life expectancy, in years, male: The latest value from 2023 is 70.52 years, an increase from 70.24 years in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 71.09 years, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for India from 1960 to 2023 is 58.12 years. The minimum value, 46.09 years, was reached in 1965 while the maximum of 70.52 years was recorded in 2023.

Structured JSON datasets for India's demographic profile: population by state, age structure, literacy rates, infant mortality, fertility, life expectancy, and urbanization. Combines Census 2011 baseline, World Bank time series, NFHS-5, and SRS 2023 data.

In 2024, around 24.6 percent of the Indian population fell into the 0-14 year category, with 68.2 percent in the 15-64 age group, while 7.1 percent were over 65 years of age. Age distribution in India India is one of the largest countries in the world and its population is constantly increasing. India’s society is categorized into a hierarchically organized caste system, encompassing certain rights and values for each caste. Indians are born into a caste, and those belonging to a lower echelon often face discrimination and hardship. The median age (which means that one half of the population is younger and the other one is older) of India’s population has been increasing constantly after a slump in the 1970s, and is expected to increase further over the next few years. However, in international comparison, it is fairly low; in other countries the average inhabitant is about 20 years older. But India seems to be on the rise, not only is it a member of the BRIC states – an association of emerging economies, the other members being Brazil, Russia and China –, life expectancy of Indians has also increased significantly over the past decade, which is an indicator of access to better health care and nutrition. Even though most Indians believe that the quality of life is about equal for men and women in their country. India is patriarchal and women still often face forced marriages, domestic violence, dowry killings or rape. As of late, India has come to be considered one of the least safe places for women worldwide. Additionally, infanticide and selective abortion of female fetuses attribute to the inequality of women in India. It is believed that this has led to the fact that the vast majority of Indian children aged 0 to 6 years are male.

India: Dependent people as percent of the working age population: The latest value from 2024 is 46.56 percent, a decline from 47.01 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 58.13 percent, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for India from 1960 to 2024 is 68.95 percent. The minimum value, 46.56 percent, was reached in 2024 while the maximum of 82.62 percent was recorded in 1966.

The life expectancy of men at birth in India amounted to 70.52 years in 2023. Between 1960 and 2023, the life expectancy rose by 24.22 years, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

India Population: Census: Age: 25 to 29 year data was reported at 101,413.965 Person th in 03-01-2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 83,422.000 Person th for 03-01-2001. India Population: Census: Age: 25 to 29 year data is updated decadal, averaging 83,422.000 Person th from Mar 1991 (Median) to 03-01-2011, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 101,413.965 Person th in 03-01-2011 and a record low of 69,239.000 Person th in 03-01-1991. India Population: Census: Age: 25 to 29 year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Demographic – Table IN.GAD001: Census: Population: by Age Group.

Between 1993 and 2020, India’s life expectancy increased significantly in every state for both men and women. The life expectancy at the national level increased from 61.1 years in 1993-97 to 70 years in 2016-20, representing a significant gain of almost 9 years. In addition, a notable gender disparity in life expectancy was documented during this period, with women generally outliving men in most of the Indian states. During this period the gender difference in life expectancy grew from 1.4 years in 1993–1997 to 2.8 years in 2016–20. Kerala consistently maintained the highest life expectancy in the country, reaching 75 years in 2016-20, significantly above the national average.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the the household distribution across 16 income brackets among four distinct age groups in Indian Trail: Under 25 years, 25-44 years, 45-64 years, and over 65 years. The dataset highlights the variation in household income, offering valuable insights into economic trends and disparities within different age categories, aiding in data analysis and decision-making..

Key observations

• Upon closer examination of the distribution of households among age brackets, it reveals that there are 184(1.41%) households where the householder is under 25 years old, 4,951(37.86%) households with a householder aged between 25 and 44 years, 5,924(45.30%) households with a householder aged between 45 and 64 years, and 2,019(15.44%) households where the householder is over 65 years old.
• The age group of 25 to 44 years exhibits the highest median household income, while the largest number of households falls within the 45 to 64 years bracket. This distribution hints at economic disparities within the town of Indian Trail, showcasing varying income levels among different age demographics.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2018-2022 5-Year Estimates.

Income brackets:

• Less than $10,000
• $10,000 to $14,999
• $15,000 to $19,999
• $20,000 to $24,999
• $25,000 to $29,999
• $30,000 to $34,999
• $35,000 to $39,999
• $40,000 to $44,999
• $45,000 to $49,999
• $50,000 to $59,999
• $60,000 to $74,999
• $75,000 to $99,999
• $100,000 to $124,999
• $125,000 to $149,999
• $150,000 to $199,999
• $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

• Household Income: This column showcases 16 income brackets ranging from Under $10,000 to $200,000+ ( As mentioned above).
• Under 25 years: The count of households led by a head of household under 25 years old with income within a specified income bracket.
• 25 to 44 years: The count of households led by a head of household 25 to 44 years old with income within a specified income bracket.
• 45 to 64 years: The count of households led by a head of household 45 to 64 years old with income within a specified income bracket.
• 65 years and over: The count of households led by a head of household 65 years and over old with income within a specified income bracket.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Indian Trail median household income by age. You can refer the same here

Context

From 1960 to 2021 the population of India increased from 450.55 million to 1.39 billion people. This is a growth by 209.3 percent in 61 years. The highest increase in India was recorded in 1974 with 2.36%. The smallest increase in 2021 with 0.97%. In the same period, the total population of all countries worldwide increased by 158.5 percent. The average age in India rose by 2.63 years from 2012 to 2020 from 26.07 to 28.70 years (median value). Around 35% of the inhabitants live in the country's larger cities. This growing trend of urbanization is increasing by 2.3% annually.

Population development in India

India is the country with the second largest population after China. These two countries lead the top of the most populous countries by a considerable margin. In terms of surface area, this is remarkable, as a stately 400 people live in one square kilometer. For comparison: in Germany, this is only slightly more than half, in the USA not even one tenth. At the same time, India is a country with extreme urbanization. Only a few people live in the desert and mountain regions, while in the cities there are sometimes more than 25,000 inhabitants per square kilometer. In Berlin, the figure is just 4000. 60% of the inhabitants live in the few large cities along the fertile parts of the country. With 40 cities with over a million inhabitants, India is the country with the most large metropolises after China.

Historical development of the population

At the beginning of the 18th century, India had just 137 million inhabitants. This number rose to about 255 million within 100 years and fluctuated by 20% up and down during the 18th century. Only since the beginning of the 20th century has population growth increased dramatically, but has been losing some momentum for about 50 years. It is assumed that India will even overtake China by the year 2025 and will then be the most populous country on earth.

Reasons for the strong growth Increasing industrialization and the accompanying improvement of health care and food production processes have had an impact on population growth in India, as well as in many countries over the last century. India also lacks a coordinated basic health care and pension system that is accessible to everyone. Therefore, having as many children as possible is often the only sensible retirement provision that a family can afford. This "contract between generations" is part of a long culture in many predominantly poorer countries

Acknowledgements

The Method for collecting the Data is Web Scraping .

Retirement Age Men in India remained unchanged at 60 Years in 2026 from 60 Years in 2025. This dataset provides - India Retirement Age Men - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.