Newsletter and Subscription Sign Up
Subscribe

Cremation in U.S. on the Rise

Published Friday Jul 20, 2018

Cremation in U.S. on the Rise

Over the next 18 years, the rate of cremation in the United States is projected to increase by nearly 30 percent according to the 2018 Cremation and Burial Report, released by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Already having outpaced the rate of burial for three consecutive years, the national cremation rate will reach nearly 80 percent (or 2.80 million cremations per year) by 2035, based on a variety of factors including changing consumer preference, weakening religious prohibitions and environmental concerns.

According to the 2018 report, the 2018 cremation rate is projected to be 53.5 percent and the burial rate is projected to be 40.5 percent. While cremation gains popularity nationwide, burial remains the leading end-of-life choice in several southern states, however, by 2035, the rate of cremation in all 50 states will exceed 50 percent.

Moreover, 12 states – including New Hampshire – will surpass a 50-percent rate of cremation well before 2035. By 2030, NFDA predicts these 12 states (Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming) will reach a cremation rate greater than 80 percent.

In general, the rate of cremation tends to be higher in large urban areas, as cities often have a more transient population and a higher demand for land and burial plots. Funeral homes have responded by establishing licensed crematories, with approximately 30 percent of funeral homes now operating their own crematories.

"As families' end-of-life preferences evolve, our members are helping them understand the wide range of options available when it comes to honoring the life of a loved one who wishes to be cremated," says 2017-18 NFDA President Kenneth A. Cahall, CFSP, CCO. "Funeral directors are committed to ensuring every family is able to commemorate the life of their loved one in a personal, meaningful way, regardless of whether they choose cremation or burial."

One choice families may not know they have is having a full funeral service and viewing prior to cremation, an option that more than a quarter of families chose in 2016. According to the survey:

According to the 2018 NFDA Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study, of the 61 percent of Americans who would choose cremation for themselves, more than half would prefer to have their remains scattered in a sentimental place.

  • 39 percent of cremated remains are returned to families
  • 37.1 percent of remains are buried at a cemetery
  • 19.8 percent are scattered at non-cemetery locations

 

With shifting consumer preferences and ever-expanding options, families may not know where to begin. Created by NFDA, RememberingALife.com serves as a guide to honoring a life well-lived, from planning a tribute to mourning a loved one.

The statistical projections contained in the 2018 NFDA Cremation and Burial Report were compiled by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Applied Population Laboratory Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. State-level deaths by method of disposition data were collected from state vital statistics departments or similar state regulatory agencies for the years 2002-16. Other findings presented in the report are from proprietary NFDA research studies, such as the 2018 NFDA Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study. 

All Stories