What does the death rate measure?

The death rate is a vital demographic indicator that specifically measures the number of deaths within a specified population, typically expressed per 1,000 people in that population over the course of a year. This measure provides insights into the overall health of a population and indicates mortality trends, which can be influenced by various factors such as healthcare quality, living conditions, and socioeconomic status.

Other options such as measuring births or total population do not pertain to the death rate. Birth rates focus on how many births occur within a population, while total population refers to the complete count of individuals residing in a specified area. Additionally, the annual migration rate assesses the movement of people in and out of a location rather than the natural population changes due to death. Therefore, the correct choice accurately defines the aspect of mortality and its impact on demographics.