The rate of cremation is going up collectively in the U.S., but funeral services are very localized. What’s common in one area of the country can be rare in another. Funeral services are regulated on a state-level, which also affects the options that are available.
States With the Highest Cremation Rates
Where are people more likely to be cremated than buried? It turns out cremation rates are much higher than average on a whole in the western part of the country. According to the latest cremation statistics from the Cremation Association of North America, the states below have the highest rates of cremation.
Nevada
The state with the highest cremation rate is Nevada. Many people are surprised to find that over 80% of people are cremated.
Oregon
Oregon is another West Coast state with a high cremation rate. Currently 78.9% of Oregon residents choose cremation.
Washington
In a state that has approved composting as an alternative to cremation and burial, it’s not surprising to find cremation is more common than burial in Washington. The state’s 2020 cremation rate was 76.7%.
Maine
Over on the other side of the U.S. the cremation rate is almost as high in areas of New England. Maine has the 4th highest cremation rate in the country. Currently, 78.2% of Maine’s residents choose cremation over burial.
New Hampshire
Right next to Maine in New Hampshire 76.9% of people choose cremation.
States With the Lowest Cremation Rate
On the other end of the spectrum are the states where burial is still the most common. The south is by far where you’re still more likely to see burial than cremation.
Mississippi
In Mississippi just over a quarter of people are cremated. The cremation rate in 2020 was 27.9%.
Alabama
Like other areas of the South, the Christian religion is a top factor in which funeral services a person chooses. Only 32.6% of Alabama residents choose cremation in 2020.
Kentucky
Cremation is on the rise in Kentucky largely because of the increasing burial prices, but the state is still low on the list. Just over a third of people (35.1%) opt for cremation.
Louisiana
Despite burial concerns related to flooding in some areas, Louisiana has one of the highest burial rates in the country. Only 37.1% of people choose to get cremated in Louisiana.
Utah
In Utah, the Mormon religion heavily influences the funeral services that many people choose. In this state the cremation rate is
It’s worth noting that cremation is becoming more common, even in the states where rates are the lowest. For example, in 2013 the cremation rate in Mississippi was only 18%, and in Alabama it was just 22%.
KEEP READING: See which generation is the most open to cremation.
Considering direct cremation? Contact our team to learn more about the process and how cremation arrangements are made.
