U.S. Cremation Rate Expected to Top 80% by 2045 NFDA’s 2023 cremation and burial report shows the states in the western region of the U.S. are leading the pack in terms of the highest cremation rates in the country. The U.S. cremation rate is expected to increase in the United States from 60.5% in 2023 to 81.4% by 2045, according to the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) 2023 Cremation and Burial Report. When it comes to cremation, the report reveals Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado have emerged as frontrunners, and by the year 2035, these states are projected to have cremation rates reaching 80% or higher — reporting the highest cremation rates in the country. With projections indicating a continued upward trend over the next two decades, the increase in cremation sheds light on Americans’ evolving preferences for cremation as a preferred choice for end-of-life arrangements. Although the regions of the United States that are anticipated to lead in cremation by 2035 are primarily located in the western part of the country, there has been a significant shift in the Southeast, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic regions as well. Between 2021-2023, the number of crematories in these areas has risen by 5.2%, signaling a shift in sentiment and increased adoption of cremation. According to this year’s findings, the rise in cremation is due to cost considerations, environmental concerns, an increasingly transient population, changing consumer preferences and fewer religious prohibitions against the practice. In fact, the percentage of U.S. consumers age 40 and older who feel it is “very important” to have religion play a part in the funeral process decreased by over 5% (49.5% to 44.3%) from 2012 to 2022. “With the anticipated significant increase in the percentage of cremations over the next 20 years, our role as funeral directors is more important than ever to help families navigate the planning process and discuss all available options when it comes to end-of-life matters,” said NFDA President Jack Mitchell, who also serves as President of Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home in Baltimore, Maryland. “Cremation is only one element of the memorialization process and should be approached that way. When cremation is part of a meaningful funeral or memorial service, we have found it to play a vital role in the healing journey.” NFDA’s 2023 Consumer Preferences Survey unveiled compelling insights into the factors driving the increasing desire for cremation. According to the survey, a significant 54.4% of respondents cited cost-effectiveness as the primary reason for choosing cremation. Additionally, 42.5% expressed that cremation is easier, simpler and more convenient, while 24.1% stated that it aligns with their personal preference or family traditions. Further analysis of the survey data reveals that among those who prefer cremation, By National Funeral Directors Association 14 | Directors Digest
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