11/20/2024
*Cremation Statistics*
*US National Averages*
- 2020: 59.6% cremation rate (NFDA)
- 2010: 44% cremation rate (NFDA)
- 2000: 26.4% cremation rate (CANA)
*California Averages*
- 2020: 64.9% cremation rate (California Department of Public Health)
- 2010: 46.4% cremation rate (California Department of Public Health)
- 2000: 33.5% cremation rate (CANA)
*Cremation Methods*
- Traditional cremation: 85% (NFDA)
- Green cremation: 5% (NFDA)
- Resomation: 2% (CANA)
- Alkaline hydrolysis: 1% (CANA)
*Cremation with Memorial Service*
- 72% of cremations include a memorial service (NFDA)
*Scattering of Ashes*
- 43% of cremated remains are scattered (NFDA)
- 27% buried in a cemetery (NFDA)
- 15% kept at home (NFDA)
*Urns and Containers*
- Traditional urns: 60% (NFDA)
- Decorative urns: 20% (NFDA)
- Scattering tubes: 10% (NFDA)
*Demographics*
- 64% of Baby Boomers choose cremation (NFDA)
- 55% of Gen Xers choose cremation (NFDA)
- 46% of Millennials choose cremation (NFDA)
*Reasons for Choosing Cremation*
- Cost savings: 72% (NFDA)
- Environmental concerns: 44% (NFDA)
- Shift in cultural norms: 35% (NFDA)
- Increased mobility: 26% (NFDA)
Sources:
1. National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
2. Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
3. Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)
4. California Department of Public Health
