Trends & Data

Tracking cremation rates, pricing shifts, consumer preferences, and industry forecasts that are reshaping deathcare across America.

62%

Cremation rate

up from 35% in 2000

$7,848

Median funeral cost

+6.2% YoY

4.2 days

Avg service length

declining

89%

Family-owned

but dropping

12

States legalized aquamation

in 2026

312

Acquisitions YTD

industry consolidation

Cremation Rates Over Time

Percentage of U.S. dispositions choosing cremation, 2000–2025.

2000
35%
2005
41%
2010
48%
2015
53%
2020
57%
2025
62%

Funeral Cost Comparison

Median costs by service type across the United States.

Traditional Burial

$7,848

Direct Cremation

$1,350

Green Burial

$3,500

Aquamation

$2,495

Memorial Service

$4,200

Regional Cremation Rates

Top and bottom five states by cremation percentage.

Highest Cremation Rates

  • Nevada82%
  • Washington79%
  • Oregon77%
  • Florida74%
  • Arizona72%

Lowest Cremation Rates

  • Mississippi28%
  • Alabama31%
  • Kentucky33%
  • West Virginia35%
  • Arkansas37%

Industry Forecasts

Expert predictions for the next decade of deathcare.

Cremation to Hit 72% by 2030

Current growth trajectories project cremation will account for nearly three-quarters of all dispositions by the end of the decade, driven by cost sensitivity and secularization.

Traditional Funeral Homes Decline 25%

Consolidation and changing consumer preferences are expected to reduce the number of independent, full-service funeral homes by a quarter over the next five years.

Green Burial Legal in All 50 States

Legislative momentum around natural burial and conservation cemeteries is accelerating. Advocates expect all fifty states to permit green burial practices within the decade.