The Cremation Situation

For the past several decades, the most notable trend in the deathcare industry has been the steady increase in the number of cremations and decrease in the number of burials. The following charts all illustrate this increased cremation trend. The charts use data from different sources, so although the exact numbers/projections may vary, they all point to the same conclusion – the growing popularity of cremation as final disposition choice.

Projected U.S. Cremation & Burial Rates

The first chart shows the historically significant crossover point that happened this year, when the number of cremations surpassed that of burials for the first time.

The second chart shows the percentage of people who reported in a 2015 study that they were “definitely” or “somewhat likely” choosing cremation as an option.

In the past 15 years, cremation rates in the United States have nearly doubled.

It is projected that over the next 18 years, the U.S. rate of cremation will increase by nearly 30 percent.

The Reason Behind the Cremation Trend

The rising popularity of cremation is due to the following 5 key growth drivers:

Cost Considerations
Fewer Religious Prohibitions
Transient Population
Changing Consumer Preferences
Environmental Concerns

Cremation Formats

The next chart shows the popularity of the different cremation formats in 2014.

35% – Direct Cremation
28% – Casketed Adult Funeral with Viewing & Cremation
37% – Cremation with Memorial Service (No Viewing)

Unique Memorialization Options

Memorial Reefs
Diamond Ring
Fireworks
Vinyl Record
Stained Glass
Tattoos
Hourglass
Rocket/Space
Tree Urn

Sources

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The Neptune Society is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan cremation services in advance, we are always available to assist you and your family.

Call 1-800-NEPTUNE (800-637-8863) today or contact us online to learn more.

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I was very satisfied with the services you provided. ... Read More

I was very satisfied with the services you provided.

Lee S.

Kansas City, MO

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the... Read More

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the wonderful staff of Neptune Society for the excellent manner all of you performed before and after the passing of my wife, Dawn.

Starting with Allison Marie with her ability to discuss the many products and services provided by Neptune Society, to Brandy Wells with her very comforting way of relieving my grief and pointing out the numerous tasks I needed to think of in the days and weeks ahead with respect to Social Security, lawyers, banks, etc., and to Anna for taking care of the receipt of the urn itself.

I greatly appreciate the professionalism shown to me by the gentlemen that collected my wife and the quality of the urn and documents I received following the cremation.

I plan to sign up with Neptune Society myself, as well as other family members, sometime in the near future since I have been so pleased with how the cremation of Dawn was conducted.

Sincerely,

John H.

Tampa, FL

Anna, I just wanted to thank you for the really... Read More

Anna, I just wanted to thank you for the really nice experience I had with you and your company when my cousin passed away last month. I live in PA and had to rely on recommendations for your service. In addition, I paid for my cousin’s cremation a couple of years in advance hoping that there would be no problems when my cousin passed. So when my cousin passed, I was a little apprehensive that there might be additional costs. There were none. The whole process went as told and I could not have been happier. It was such a relief! Thank you again for your services, You were a joy to work with.

Deborah V.

Tampa, FL

Dear Lisa, On behalf of our family, I would like... Read More

Dear Lisa,

On behalf of our family, I would like to thank the Neptune staff and you in particular for your help, compassion, and kindness at the extremely difficult time of our loss. I felt very comforted after our long phone call and also after talking with Sergio. Once again many thanks to all of you for everything.

All the best,

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Irving, TX

Dear Carolyn, My experience with the Plano Neptune staff has... Read More

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My experience with the Plano Neptune staff has been wonderful.
Even though I was making arrangements for my wife of 39 years: Chris.
I read all the support emails afterwards and they were very helpful.
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Thank you for all your help and support.
Ron O.

Ron O.

Dallas, TX

We were quite a distance from my father and his... Read More

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Tom H.

Wisconsin

Let's be real for a minute, people. You can plan... Read More

Let’s be real for a minute, people.

You can plan and organize or choose not to,

but death is a train and it’s been on the tracks since birth.

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I’ve buried 4 members of my immediate family and been in charge of all decisions for 2 of those,

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Kaleb A.

Austin, TX

Completely caring respectful to everyone. There to assist even after... Read More

Completely caring respectful to everyone. There to assist even after the passing of the loved ones.

Donna K.

Wabasha, MN

Neptune Society took care of my 95 year old mother... Read More

Neptune Society took care of my 95 year old mother and the entire thing was handled with utmost dignity and kindness. Five stars for a great company!!! Donny Bobo was my director and I can’t say enough good about him.

Janet B.

Bonney Lake, WA

Carolyn, I just wanted to take the time to thank... Read More

Carolyn, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all of your help during this difficult time. Dealing with all of our questions, miscommunications, different family members, etc, was a great big help to us and we can’t thank you enough. Thank you for taking care of my father and easing our anxiety. Our appreciation is great and we’ll never forget it.

The Burt Family

Plano, TX

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The Cremation Situation