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Cremation did not become legal in the United States until 1876 and by 1972 it had only 5% popularity. Now though, the cremation rates have reached nearly 50% and are predicted to continually increase over the next few decades. Here is a look at the reasons for the rise in popularity, the expenses associated with it, the various types of cremation and the average cost for cremation.

Rise in Popularity

There are many interesting factors that each play a role in the dramatic rise in cremations in the United States. One of the most common reasons why cremation is chosen over the full burial is the cost. There is also the geographic changes that people are making. Children and families are becoming more dispersed and aren't visiting gravesites as often leaving them feeling more disconnected to their geographic origins compared to previous generations. In some states, there are fewer religious affiliations and an increase in non-English speaking immigrants who have their own traditions and cultures. Others may choose cremation because they see it as a more environmentally friendly option than burial.

While it is usually cheaper than having a burial, cremations are often accompanied by other expenses depending on what type of funeral is being done. There are three different options that most choose from. Some prefer to stay on the more traditional route and have a formal service in the funeral home or church followed by the cremation rather than the traditional burial of the casket. This service can be open or closed casket and in a rented or cremation casket.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost for this type of service in 2017 was $6,260. This included the basic funeral home fee, the removal/transfer to the funeral home, embalming, the ceremony and the cremation fee. On top of these costs, the family members also have to consider the cost of the cremation urn and the vault or cemetery monument or marker.

Memorial Service

Some may prefer to have a memorial service rather than the full church service and cremation. The cremation itself often takes place privately the day or day after the death. The service though does not have to take place until weeks or sometimes months after the passing away. The urn is usually present at the memorial service where it will then find its final resting place whether that be in the cemetery, home or scattered in their favorite place. This costs an average of $3,000 according to the NFDA.

Direct Cremation

The third option is to keep things extremely simple and have a direct cremation which is the most basic type of service. The body is immediately cremated and returned home without any type of funeral, graveside service or memorial. The Cremation Research Council claims the average cost of this is around $1,100 as one still has to pay for a vehicle to pick up the body to bring to the crematorium.

For those that want to spread the ashes, make sure to factor in the cost of a yacht or private plane services if you are hoping to do it in the sea or air respectively. Professionals who offer these services will often give the family member a certificate noting the time and place the ashes were scattered.

Price Variation From State to State

The price range varies from state to state. Often, states such as California and Oregon will have a higher percentage of cremation as land for gravesites in coastal and mountainous regions tends to be more expensive. In 2015, Washington had the highest percentage of cremation with 77% followed by Nevada (76%) and Oregon (74%). Because of the high demand and competition in these areas, the cremation costs are often much lower than inland states such as Michigan, Georgia and Arizona.

Future Outlook for Cremation

The Cremation Association of North America has predicted that the cremation rates will continue to increase over the next few decades. By 2035, the percentage could be as high as 78.8% due to the normalizing of cremation.