GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Death Care Industry Statistics

The death care industry in the United States generates approximately $20 billion in revenue annually.

Highlights: Death Care Industry Statistics

  • According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $7,640 in 2019.
  • The cremation rate in the U.S. was 54.6% in 2020, surpassing the burial rate.
  • There were 19,136 funeral homes in the U.S. in 2020.
  • The death care market worldwide was valued at $54.84 billion in 2019.
  • By 2027, it is projected that the global death care service market will reach $102.43 billion.
  • Profits in the funeral industry in the U.S alone increased by 2.1% per year on average, within the 2015-2020 time frame.
  • The death rate in the U.S. in 2019 was 715.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
  • It's estimated that by 2040, 78.8% of Americans will choose cremation.
  • In 2018, there were approximately 36,000 funeral attendants employed in the U.S.
  • Over 280 million people died worldwide in 2020, increasing the demand for death care services.
  • 32% of U.S. consumers used a funeral home for cremation services in 2020.
  • Preplanning funerals was just 33% in 2020 in the U.S.
  • The U.S. has about 115,000 cemeteries as of 2018.
  • In 2020, Service Corporation International, a death care company in North America, generated around $3.23 billion revenue.
  • Around 53% of consumers in the US are comfortable with using end-of-life services online.
  • The percentage of green funerals in the United States increased to approximately 16% in 2020.
  • According to a study by NFDA, only about 11% of funeral homes in the United States reported having no access to personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Latest Death Care Industry Statistics Explained

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $7,640 in 2019.

The statistic “According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $7,640 in 2019” indicates the middle value of funeral costs for this specific type of service, where half of the observed costs were higher and half were lower. This figure provides a central tendency measure that is less sensitive to extreme values compared to the mean, making it a useful representation of typical funeral expenses. The median cost reflects the overall expenses incurred by families for funeral arrangements, including services such as viewing and burial, offering valuable insight into the financial aspects of funerals in the United States in 2019 as reported by the NFDA.

The cremation rate in the U.S. was 54.6% in 2020, surpassing the burial rate.

The statistic “The cremation rate in the U.S. was 54.6% in 2020, surpassing the burial rate” indicates that for the first time in 2020, more deceased individuals in the U.S. were cremated rather than buried. This signifies a shift in cultural practices and preferences towards cremation as a method of disposition for human remains. The increasing popularity of cremation can be attributed to various factors such as cost-effectiveness, environmental considerations, changing religious beliefs, and a desire for more personalized and flexible memorial options. This trend highlights the evolving attitudes towards end-of-life practices in the U.S. and has implications for the funeral industry and related services.

There were 19,136 funeral homes in the U.S. in 2020.

The statistic “There were 19,136 funeral homes in the U.S. in 2020” provides a numerical count of the total number of establishments in the United States that primarily provide funeral services and related products. This figure offers insight into the extent of the funeral industry within the country and indicates the widespread availability of funeral services for individuals and families. Understanding the total number of funeral homes can be important for various stakeholders, including policymakers, industry professionals, and consumers, as it can help inform decision-making, resource allocation, and market analysis within the funeral service sector.

The death care market worldwide was valued at $54.84 billion in 2019.

The statistic “The death care market worldwide was valued at $54.84 billion in 2019” represents the total monetary value of goods and services related to funerals, burials, cremations, and other aspects of the death care industry in the global market for the year 2019. This value encompasses various aspects of the industry, including funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and related products and services. The figure serves as a crucial indicator of the economic size and importance of the death care sector, reflecting the financial scale and significance of the industry on a global scale.

By 2027, it is projected that the global death care service market will reach $102.43 billion.

The statistic forecasts that by 2027, the global death care service market is expected to grow significantly and reach a value of $102.43 billion. This projection suggests an increasing demand for death care services such as funeral homes, crematoria, cemeteries, and related products and services worldwide. Factors driving this growth may include population growth, aging populations in many countries, changing cultural attitudes towards death and funeral customs, and potentially increased awareness and spending on end-of-life services. The data could be valuable for businesses operating in the death care industry, as it indicates potential opportunities for expansion and investment in this sector.

Profits in the funeral industry in the U.S alone increased by 2.1% per year on average, within the 2015-2020 time frame.

The statistic indicates that the profits in the funeral industry in the U.S alone experienced an average annual growth rate of 2.1% during the period from 2015 to 2020. This growth suggests that the funeral industry in the U.S was generally profitable and expanding over the specified time frame. The increasing profits could be attributed to various factors such as population growth, changing demographics, economic conditions, consumer preferences, and advancements in the industry. The statistic highlights a positive trend for businesses operating in the funeral industry during the specified period, indicating potential opportunities for growth and investment within the sector.

The death rate in the U.S. in 2019 was 715.2 deaths per 100,000 population.

The statistic ‘The death rate in the U.S. in 2019 was 715.2 deaths per 100,000 population’ indicates the number of deaths that occurred in the United States per 100,000 individuals in the population for the year 2019. This figure is calculated by taking the total number of deaths in the country during that year and dividing it by the total population, then multiplying the result by 100,000 to make the statistic more interpretable and comparable among different populations. The death rate is an important metric used to assess the overall health and well-being of a population, monitor trends over time, and identify areas for public health intervention and improvement. A death rate of 715.2 deaths per 100,000 population suggests that a significant proportion of the population may have experienced mortality during that year, and further analysis and investigation may be warranted to better understand the factors contributing to this rate.

It’s estimated that by 2040, 78.8% of Americans will choose cremation.

The statistic indicates that by the year 2040, it is projected that the choice of cremation as a method of handling human remains in America will increase to 78.8%. This implies a significant shift in cultural and personal preferences towards cremation as a preferred end-of-life option compared to traditional burial. Factors contributing to this increasing trend may include changing attitudes towards death and the environment, cost considerations, and a desire for more personalized and flexible funeral arrangements. The statistic suggests that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Americans as a way to commemorate their loved ones and deal with end-of-life arrangements.

In 2018, there were approximately 36,000 funeral attendants employed in the U.S.

The statistic ‘In 2018, there were approximately 36,000 funeral attendants employed in the U.S.’ represents the total number of individuals working in the role of funeral attendants in the United States during the stated year. Funeral attendants are responsible for assisting with various tasks during funeral services, such as setting up the venue, assisting mourners, and providing general support to funeral directors and families. This statistic provides insight into the scale of the funeral service industry and the workforce needed to support it in the U.S. It suggests that there is a significant demand for funeral attendants to fulfill essential roles within the industry, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the overall funeral service experience.

Over 280 million people died worldwide in 2020, increasing the demand for death care services.

The statistic that over 280 million people died worldwide in 2020 highlights the significant impact of the global pandemic and other factors on mortality rates. This sharp increase in the number of deaths has led to a higher demand for death care services, such as funeral homes, cremation services, and cemeteries, as families and communities seek support in laying their loved ones to rest. The unprecedented scale of loss in 2020 has put a strain on the capacity of existing death care infrastructure and has underscored the importance of effective planning and resource allocation in responding to public health crises and other events that can lead to increased mortality rates.

32% of U.S. consumers used a funeral home for cremation services in 2020.

In 2020, 32% of U.S. consumers opted to use a funeral home for cremation services. This statistic likely reflects a growing trend of individuals choosing cremation as a preferred method of disposition over traditional burial. Utilizing funeral homes for cremation services offers a range of benefits such as professional guidance, emotional support, and personalized memorialization options for families and loved ones. The 32% figure highlights the significant proportion of consumers who value the expertise and services provided by funeral homes in facilitating the cremation process, indicating a shift in cultural and societal norms surrounding end-of-life practices in the United States.

Preplanning funerals was just 33% in 2020 in the U.S.

The statistic ‘Preplanning funerals was just 33% in 2020 in the U.S.’ indicates that only 33% of individuals in the United States engaged in preplanning their funerals during the year 2020. Preplanning a funeral involves making decisions about the arrangements and details of one’s future funeral before the need arises. The low participation rate of 33% suggests that many individuals may not have considered or prioritized this aspect of end-of-life planning, potentially leading to increased stress and uncertainty for their loved ones upon their passing. Further analysis and understanding of the reasons behind this low percentage could provide valuable insights into cultural, social, and economic factors influencing end-of-life decision-making in the United States.

The U.S. has about 115,000 cemeteries as of 2018.

The statistic that the U.S. has approximately 115,000 cemeteries as of 2018 provides insight into the extensive presence of burial grounds across the country. This number indicates the widespread practice of burying deceased individuals in dedicated spaces throughout the U.S. The existence of such a large number of cemeteries also highlights the cultural significance and diversity in memorializing and honoring the deceased in American society. From small family plots to larger public cemeteries, the presence of 115,000 cemeteries underscores the importance of commemorating and remembering the departed in various ways across different communities and regions within the United States.

In 2020, Service Corporation International, a death care company in North America, generated around $3.23 billion revenue.

The statistic that “In 2020, Service Corporation International, a death care company in North America, generated around $3.23 billion in revenue” indicates the total amount of money the company earned from its operations, including funeral and cemetery services, during the year 2020. This revenue figure is a key indicator of the company’s financial performance and reflects its ability to attract customers and generate income through its services. The fact that the revenue amount is specified to be approximately $3.23 billion underscores the scale and significance of Service Corporation International’s operations within the death care industry in North America, highlighting its position as a major player in the market.

Around 53% of consumers in the US are comfortable with using end-of-life services online.

The statistic stating that around 53% of consumers in the US are comfortable with using end-of-life services online suggests that a majority of individuals are open to leveraging digital platforms for making arrangements related to the end-of-life process. This statistic indicates a growing acceptance and adoption of online services in the sensitive domain of end-of-life planning, which traditionally has been considered a personal and offline matter. The finding reflects a shift in consumer behavior towards embracing technology for important life decisions, potentially driven by convenience, accessibility, and the broader trend of digitalization across various aspects of daily life. This statistic underscores the increasing role of online platforms in providing support and resources for individuals navigating end-of-life considerations.

The percentage of green funerals in the United States increased to approximately 16% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the proportion of green funerals, which are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burial practices, rose to around 16% of all funerals held in the United States in 2020. This increase suggests a growing awareness and preference for sustainable and eco-friendly funeral options among the population. Green funerals often involve practices like natural burials, biodegradable caskets, and conservation of resources, reflecting a broader trend toward environmental consciousness and sustainability in end-of-life planning. The rise in the percentage of green funerals in 2020 highlights a shift in cultural attitudes towards more environmentally responsible practices within the funeral industry.

According to a study by NFDA, only about 11% of funeral homes in the United States reported having no access to personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a study conducted by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), it was found that approximately 11% of funeral homes in the United States faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistic indicates that the overwhelming majority of funeral homes had access to the necessary PPE to protect their staff and customers from the risks associated with the virus. This information highlights the importance of preparedness and access to essential resources during times of crisis, such as a global pandemic, to ensure the safety and well-being of frontline workers in the funeral industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

1. – https://www.www.nfda.org

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.macrotrends.net

4. – https://www.nfda.org

5. – https://www.www.dol.gov

6. – https://www.www.cremationassociation.org

7. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

8. – https://www.www.worldometers.info

9. – https://www.www.fortunebusinessinsights.com

10. – https://www.funerals.org

11. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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