The percentage rate of cremation disposition for all deaths in the United States continues to rise, but the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) says in a recent press release that that rate is “decelerating” in its growth.  It is, however, a common statistical occurrence for growth rates to slow once the percentage hits a certain level.

CANA’s press release makes this comment:

“CANA’s research shows that the national cremation rate has grown steadily and predictably for the last 50 years, indicating that neither the recession nor the pandemic have influenced the growth rate on a national level. After decades of rapid growth in the United States, CANA can confirm that the national growth rate is slowing after reaching 61.8% in 2024.” 

The organization of over 3,700 funeral home, cemetery, crematory, industry supplier, and consultant members says that their newly released 2024 data “supports the association’s observation over the past few years that the US is entering a  “deceleration” period of cremation.  (CANA also suggests that) The U.S. is 15 years behind Canada, where the cremation rate surpassed 76.7% in 2024.”

CANA also predicts that by 2033 the cremation rate in all states will reach or exceed 50% and that the United States national rate will surpass 70%.

Finally, CANA points out that the new disposition methods of alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction seem to be playing only a very small role in the overall picture as it pertains to the percentage of cremation dispositions.  The organization points out that presently those forms of disposition total only 0.3% of all dispositions in states where both methods are legally practiced.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  The CANA annual statistics are very valuable in a Death Care provider’s planning.  There were approximately 3.09 million U.S. deaths in 2024.  At least one source believes that there will be about 3.87 million U.S. deaths in 2040.  That’s about 780,000 more deaths annually than today.  What perecentage of those deaths are cremations, earth burials, alkaline hydrolysis, and natural organic reduction makes a big difference to those in those businesses.

For instance if the cremation percentage rate rises it might mean that certain suppliers decide to enter the cremation manufacturing industry.  On the other hand, depending on whether the cremation rate gets to 70 or 80% might make a big difference to those in the casket industry.  The combination of decelerating rates of cremation percentages coupled with more deaths might give a leeway for casket industry unit status quo rather than lower numbers of units sold annually.

CANA has generally been “right on” with their predictions. . . . . Make sure that you brainstorm about what differing rates of cremation might mean to your business.

More news from the world of Death Care:

• Mushroom caskets make the final resting place eco-friendly.  The Wall Street Journal
• Comparison website accused by watchdog of misleading customers.  You Tube video re preneed  9 News Austrlia (Australia)
• Crematorium across the road from supermarket in Havelock North — residents consider legal action.  New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
• North Miami Beach funeral home owner honored during Small Business Month.  The Miami Times (FL)

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