Cremation Rates by U.S. State

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for final disposition in the United States. The cremation rate has been steadily rising over the years due to factors such as lower costs compared to traditional burial, environmental concerns, and changing cultural attitudes. In this article, we will explore cremation rates by state, the factors influencing these trends, and how the numbers are expected to evolve in the coming years.

National Overview of Cremation Rates

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national cremation rate in the United States surpassed 57% in recent years and is projected to continue rising. By 2030, it is expected to reach over 70%. Many states already exceed the national average, while others are slower to adopt cremation due to cultural and religious preferences.

Cremation Rates by State (2023 Data)

The following table shows the cremation rates for each state as of the most recent data from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA):

State	Cremation Rate (%)
Nevada	80.7
Washington	79.1
Oregon	77.7
Hawaii	77.3
Maine	74.7
Montana	73.4
New Hampshire	73.1
Alaska	72.5
Arizona	71.3
Colorado	70.8
Vermont	70.1
Idaho	68.9
Wyoming	67.8
Florida	65.5
California	63.9
Minnesota	63.2
Wisconsin	61.8
Michigan	60.5
South Dakota	59.9
Utah	58.7
New Mexico	58.4
North Dakota	58.2
Iowa	57.3
Ohio	56.9
Pennsylvania	55.2
Indiana	54.6
Kentucky	52.1
Georgia	50.7
Tennessee	49.8
Illinois	49.1
North Carolina	48.4
Virginia	47.9
Texas	46.2
South Carolina	44.7
Alabama	42.8
Louisiana	41.9
Mississippi	38.7
Arkansas	37.4
Missouri	36.9
Oklahoma	36.5
West Virginia	35.7
Kansas	33.6
Nebraska	32.8
New York	30.9
New Jersey	29.7
Maryland	27.4
Connecticut	25.9
Massachusetts	25.1
Rhode Island	23.7
Delaware	22.8
District of Columbia	20.5
Virginia	18.3

Factors Influencing Cremation Rates

Several factors impact cremation rates in different states:

Cultural and Religious Beliefs: States with a higher percentage of populations adhering to religious traditions that favor burial, such as Catholicism or certain Protestant denominations, tend to have lower cremation rates.
Cost: Cremation is generally more affordable than traditional burial. States with lower income levels may see higher cremation rates as families opt for more economical options.
Environmental Concerns: Cremation is often considered more environmentally friendly than traditional burial. States with strong environmental movements may have higher cremation rates.
Population Density: States with urban populations tend to have higher cremation rates due to space limitations in cemeteries and the availability of cremation services.

Future Trends

The trend toward cremation is expected to continue rising in all states, though at different rates. States in the South, where traditional burials have been historically more popular, are projected to see significant increases in cremation rates in the coming decades. States with already high cremation rates, such as Nevada and Washington, are expected to stabilize with marginal increases.