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Cremation vs. Burial
Whether you're answering for yourself or a recently deceased loved one, it's a question everyone must face at some point: Should I go with cremation versus burial? Is one really better than the other, and when did cremation become so popular?
The Rise in the Popularity of Cremation
In the United States, the increase in cremation's popularity has been a relatively recent development. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), in 2021, the expected rate of cremation was 57.5% while they projected the burial rate to be 36.6%. Just over six decades ago, the cremation rate was less than 4%. So, what changed? Research by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) shows explosive growth in the popularity of cremation tends to happen once the rate reaches 5%. As people become aware of the option, learn about the cremation process, and are exposed to others who choose cremation over burial, the practice becomes more commonplace.
In America, attitudes toward cremation have been affected in a positive way through changes in the demographics of our population. As the country has transitioned toward a more mobile population, with fewer people staying close to one geographic location their entire lives, while at the same time increasing their education level and letting go of strict religious traditions, cremation rates have grown quickly. In fact, CANA predicts the rate is reaching its peak velocity of growth and will soon slow its pace – continuing to gain popularity, but not spreading as quickly as it has. Eventually, the percentage of people choosing cremation over burial may max out between 80% and 100%.
Why Choose Cremation Over Burial?
There are many reasons a person may prefer cremation over burial.
- Preferring to take up less physical space after death – While most parts of the world are not quickly running out of cemetery space, it could eventually happen. Many people do not see a purpose in requiring the area of a burial plot when their remains could easily fit inside an urn in a crematorium or a family member's home.
- Not being tied to one geographic location – As our population has become more transient and people move from state to state in their search for better jobs, improved quality of life, etc., they are less likely to feel strong ties to one particular town or state. For example, if you live in Florida but your closest relatives live in North Carolina and Kentucky, deciding where to be buried can be a difficult choice, and preplanning could be even more difficult if there's the potential of a cross-state move in your future.
- Wishing to be more environmentally friendly – Many people consider cremation a more eco-friendly option versus being buried. While this idea is actually debatable, it is true that cremation skips the embalming process, which eventually releases toxic fluids into the soil, and cuts down on the use of materials that won't easily break down (metal caskets and plastic components) and are unsustainable, requiring a great deal of energy to create.
- Wanting a meaningful final resting place – The NFDA states that 43.9% of people have strong emotional ties to a specific, meaningful place and would like their ashes to be scattered in that location. Whether it's a National Park, the ocean, or some other beautiful setting, cremation allows for that option.
- Relaxing and changing of religious attitudes – While some religions still forbid cremation, a few of the more popular traditions have decided that cremation is an acceptable way to dispose of the deceased. For example, in 1963, the Vatican lifted the prohibition of cremation for Catholics worldwide. In addition to these changes, America's population is becoming more of a mixed bag of religious affiliations, including no affiliation. Some religions almost exclusively choose cremation over burial such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Saving on the cost of final expenses – On average, the cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial in 2021 was $7,848, according to the NFDA, while the cost of a funeral with cremation was $6,971.
With these and other less common reasons, it's easy to see why cremation rates are rising so quickly in the U.S.
Cremation Rates by State
If you're curious as to where cremation is most popular, cremation statistics released by CANA shows Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Maine, and New Hampshire were the top five states with the highest percentage of cremations in 2019. Rounding out the top ten were Montana, Hawaii, Vermont, Colorado, and Wyoming. It's probably not a coincidence that seven of these states are in the northern tier of the U.S. where winters can be long, making the earth difficult to dig into for burial for several months out of the year.
The bottom five states were Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Utah. CANA's interpretation of the data suggests that states whose population has a stronger sense of community and stronger ties to their location (less transient) tend to have a much slower growth of their cremation rates.
Cremation Rates by Country
So, how does America compare to other countries with respect to cremation vs. burial? International statistics released in 2019 by cremation.org show the U.S. is pretty solidly in the middle. Japan has the highest cremation rate at 99.97%. Given the size of the island nation compared to is population, it's possible a lack of cemetery space plays into the statistic as much as cultural views on what to do with a body after death. By starch comparison, the United Arab Emirates has a cremation rate of only 1.25% - likely due to a strongly Muslim population. Cremation is strictly forbidden by Islam.
Other countries with cremation rates that may be surprising include Russia with a low 15.21%, the island nation of Trinidad & Tobago at 9.81%, and Zimbabwe at 2.59%.
When considering cremation vs. burial in your own situation, we understand it's a weighty decision, and we're here for you. Whether shopping for the perfect urn to house cremated remains or looking for a lovely piece of memorial jewelry to hold a memento of your loved one close to your heart, Perfect Memorials can help you honor your loved one in a way that highlights your love and respect for their life and your treasured memories.
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