Members of the Media: If you have questions about the statistics below, would like additional information or data, or would like to interview an expert, please contact NFDA's public relations team.

61.9% vs 33.2%

Cremation vs. Burial: according to NFDA's 2024 Cremation & Burial Report, the 2024 cremation rate is projected to be 61.9% and the burial rate is projected to be 33.2%. By 2045, the cremation rate is expected to reach 82.1%. Click here to learn more

$7,848

Cost of a Funeral: The national median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial in 2023 was $8,300 while the median cost of a funeral with cremation was $6,280. click here to learn more.  

68%

Interest in Green Funeral Options: According to NFDa's 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, 68% would be interested in exploring “green” funeral options because of their potential environmental benefits, cost savings or for some other reason, up from 55.7% in 2021.

52%

Non-Traditional Funeral Locations: According to NFDA's 2024 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, 52% of respondents have attended a funeral at a non-traditional location.

44.5%%

Scatter or Urn?: Of those who would prefer cremation for themselves, 44.5% would prefer to have their remains scattered in a sentimental place; 17.2% would prefer to bury or inter them at a cemetery; 10.6% would prefer to have them kept in an urn at home; and 9.6% have not decided.

Economic Impact

Funeral homes are vital businesses that contribute to our nation in ways both seen and unseen. Nearly 76.2% of funeral homes are family- or privately owned.  There are more than 15,703 funeral homes in the U.S., which employ 106,188 people. Funeral homes generate a total of $16.096 billion in the U.S., while crematories and cemeteries generate $4.250 billion in revenue. Click here to learn more about the economic impact of funeral service in each state. 

20,000

Nfda Members: Founded in 1882, NFDA is the largest association in the world for the funeral service profession and is dedicated to supporting its members in their mission to provide families with meaningful end-of-life services at the highest levels of excellence and integrity. NFDA has 20,000 individual members representing nearly 11,000 funeral homes in 49 countries,

All data published on this page is based on the latest available government, industry, and research reports; data is updated as new information becomes available. The data on this page was last updated on September 24, 2024