GITNUXREPORT 2025

Funeral Industry Statistics

Funeral industry rapidly growing with cremation, eco-friendly, digital, and personalization trends.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 56% of Americans prefer cremation over burial

Statistic 2

The cremation rate in the United States increased from 33.7% in 2010 to 58.4% in 2020

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On average, funerals cost between $7,000 and $12,000 in the United States

Statistic 4

The average cost of a cremation in the U.S. is about $1,100, significantly lower than traditional burials

Statistic 5

Approximately 85% of funeral homes offer embalming services

Statistic 6

The majority of consumers (over 70%) prefer personalized funeral services, including memorial videos and customized ceremonies

Statistic 7

The median age at death in the U.S. is approximately 78 years, influencing funeral industry planning

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Nearly 30% of families opt for pre-need funeral arrangements to lock in costs and plan ahead

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In 2023, approximately 65% of consumers considered environmentally friendly options when choosing funeral services, indicating growing eco-consciousness

Statistic 10

About 12% of funeral homes in the U.S. offer at-home funeral services, catering to a shift in consumer preferences

Statistic 11

The average length of a funeral service is approximately 1 hour, but personalized services can extend to 2 hours or more, depending on arrangements

Statistic 12

Over 85% of Americans own life insurance policies that help cover funeral costs, indicating high awareness of funeral financial planning

Statistic 13

The rise of DIY funeral kits and direct cremation options is linked to a 12% annual increase in consumer interest, driven by rising costs and personalization desires

Statistic 14

The majority of millennial consumers are showing increased interest in eco-friendly and personalized funeral options, with about 55% considering these factors seriously

Statistic 15

Green or eco-friendly funerals are growing in popularity, accounting for an estimated 15% of all funerals in 2023

Statistic 16

Nearly 40% of funeral homes reported a decrease in business during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 17

The funeral industry market share is dominated by major players such as Service Corporation International and Carriage Services, holding over 60% combined

Statistic 18

The average lifespan of a coffin is around 50 years if stored properly, though most only last about 10-15 years when used

Statistic 19

About 60% of funeral homes are family-owned businesses, emphasizing the industry's small business nature

Statistic 20

The funeral home staff to body ratio is about 1:2, correlating staffing levels with service capacity

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Nearly 80% of funeral homes invest in grief support services, such as counseling or support groups, as part of their offerings

Statistic 22

Nearly 25% of funeral homes generate more than 20% of their revenue from additional services like floral arrangements, memorial videos, and transportation

Statistic 23

The average age of funeral directors in the U.S. is approximately 50 years old, indicating industry aging trends

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Funeral industry employment in the U.S. accounts for approximately 0.12% of all U.S. jobs, equating to roughly 20,000 workers

Statistic 25

The average funeral home handles about 150-200 cases annually, depending on location and size

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The number of funeral homes in North America has declined by about 18% over the past decade due to industry consolidation and market changes

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The proportion of funeral home staff involved in grief counseling services is approximately 60%, reflecting industry emphasis on emotional support

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The global funeral services market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2027

Statistic 29

The number of funerals in the U.S. decreased by approximately 20% from 2000 to 2020

Statistic 30

The global biodegradable casket market size was valued at $150 million in 2021, with a projected CAGR of 5%

Statistic 31

Digital memorials and online tribute platforms have seen a 45% increase in usage over the past five years, reflecting trends in virtual participation

Statistic 32

The funeral insurance market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5% through 2025, reaching $12 billion globally

Statistic 33

In 2022, approximately 45 million deaths occurred worldwide, leading to a higher demand for funeral services globally

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The rise of pet cremation services suggests growth in the pet funeral sector, which is valued at around $1.4 billion globally in 2023

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The funeral merchandise segment, including caskets and urns, accounts for approximately 55% of the industry's revenue

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The global demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly urns is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2028, reaching $300 million

Statistic 37

The average number of funeral services per day in the U.S. is approximately 2,500, totaling over 900,000 annually

Statistic 38

The number of crematories worldwide has increased by over 40% in the last decade, aligning with the rise in cremation preferences

Statistic 39

The market for funeral home software is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2030, driven by digitization

Statistic 40

The number of cloth-covered caskets sold globally is expected to grow by 3.2% annually through 2026, reflecting shifts toward more aesthetically pleasing options

Statistic 41

The global market for embalming fluids exceeds $300 million, with a CAGR of 4%, reflecting ongoing demand for embalming services

Statistic 42

The utilization of data analytics in funeral industry operations is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2025, aiding in business optimization

Statistic 43

The funeral insurance segment constitutes roughly 10% of the total funeral industry revenue, reflecting its role in financial planning

Statistic 44

Global funeral urn market size was valued at $350 million in 2020 and is expected to grow steadily, with a CAGR of 5.2% through 2028

Statistic 45

The average total cost for funeral services in Canada is approximately CAD 8,500, including burial, services, and merchandise

Statistic 46

The industry faces a projected 6% annual growth in the demand for memorialization products such as keepsake jewelry and memorial plaques through 2025

Statistic 47

The adoption of cloud-based funeral management software solutions increased by 50% between 2020 and 2023, streamlining operations and data management

Statistic 48

The global market for cremation equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% and reach $200 million by 2028, driven by increasing cremation rates worldwide

Statistic 49

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in funeral services is emerging, with about 12% of funeral homes experimenting with VR experiences in 2023

Statistic 50

The percentage of funerals incorporating live streaming technology increased from 5% in 2018 to over 25% in 2023, reflecting adoption of virtual participation

Statistic 51

The use of artificial intelligence in grief support chatbots increased by 30% in 2023, providing accessible emotional support services

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Key Highlights

The global funeral services market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2027
Approximately 56% of Americans prefer cremation over burial
The cremation rate in the United States increased from 33.7% in 2010 to 58.4% in 2020
On average, funerals cost between $7,000 and $12,000 in the United States
The average cost of a cremation in the U.S. is about $1,100, significantly lower than traditional burials
The number of funerals in the U.S. decreased by approximately 20% from 2000 to 2020
Green or eco-friendly funerals are growing in popularity, accounting for an estimated 15% of all funerals in 2023
Nearly 40% of funeral homes reported a decrease in business during the COVID-19 pandemic
The global biodegradable casket market size was valued at $150 million in 2021, with a projected CAGR of 5%
Approximately 85% of funeral homes offer embalming services
The majority of consumers (over 70%) prefer personalized funeral services, including memorial videos and customized ceremonies
The median age at death in the U.S. is approximately 78 years, influencing funeral industry planning
The funeral industry market share is dominated by major players such as Service Corporation International and Carriage Services, holding over 60% combined

The funeral industry is experiencing a profound transformation, with skyrocketing cremation rates, technological innovations, and shifting consumer preferences signaling a new era for end-of-life services globally.

Consumer Preferences and Demographics

Approximately 56% of Americans prefer cremation over burial
The cremation rate in the United States increased from 33.7% in 2010 to 58.4% in 2020
On average, funerals cost between $7,000 and $12,000 in the United States
The average cost of a cremation in the U.S. is about $1,100, significantly lower than traditional burials
Approximately 85% of funeral homes offer embalming services
The majority of consumers (over 70%) prefer personalized funeral services, including memorial videos and customized ceremonies
The median age at death in the U.S. is approximately 78 years, influencing funeral industry planning
Nearly 30% of families opt for pre-need funeral arrangements to lock in costs and plan ahead
In 2023, approximately 65% of consumers considered environmentally friendly options when choosing funeral services, indicating growing eco-consciousness
About 12% of funeral homes in the U.S. offer at-home funeral services, catering to a shift in consumer preferences
The average length of a funeral service is approximately 1 hour, but personalized services can extend to 2 hours or more, depending on arrangements
Over 85% of Americans own life insurance policies that help cover funeral costs, indicating high awareness of funeral financial planning
The rise of DIY funeral kits and direct cremation options is linked to a 12% annual increase in consumer interest, driven by rising costs and personalization desires
The majority of millennial consumers are showing increased interest in eco-friendly and personalized funeral options, with about 55% considering these factors seriously

Consumer Preferences and Demographics Interpretation

As Americans increasingly favor cremation over traditional burials and seek eco-friendly, personalized ceremonies that honor individual legacies while cutting costs, the funeral industry is navigating a delicate balance of respecting tradition, embracing innovation, and responding to a growing cultural shift towards sustainability and customization.

Environmental and Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Green or eco-friendly funerals are growing in popularity, accounting for an estimated 15% of all funerals in 2023

Environmental and Eco-Friendly Initiatives Interpretation

With eco-friendly funerals now comprising 15% of all services in 2023, it’s clear that even in death, a green legacy is quietly gaining momentum among those who wish their final act to be as sustainable as their life was impactful.

Industry Structure and Business Operations

Nearly 40% of funeral homes reported a decrease in business during the COVID-19 pandemic
The funeral industry market share is dominated by major players such as Service Corporation International and Carriage Services, holding over 60% combined
The average lifespan of a coffin is around 50 years if stored properly, though most only last about 10-15 years when used
About 60% of funeral homes are family-owned businesses, emphasizing the industry's small business nature
The funeral home staff to body ratio is about 1:2, correlating staffing levels with service capacity
Nearly 80% of funeral homes invest in grief support services, such as counseling or support groups, as part of their offerings
Nearly 25% of funeral homes generate more than 20% of their revenue from additional services like floral arrangements, memorial videos, and transportation
The average age of funeral directors in the U.S. is approximately 50 years old, indicating industry aging trends
Funeral industry employment in the U.S. accounts for approximately 0.12% of all U.S. jobs, equating to roughly 20,000 workers
The average funeral home handles about 150-200 cases annually, depending on location and size
The number of funeral homes in North America has declined by about 18% over the past decade due to industry consolidation and market changes
The proportion of funeral home staff involved in grief counseling services is approximately 60%, reflecting industry emphasis on emotional support

Industry Structure and Business Operations Interpretation

Despite the industry's consolidation and aging workforce, nearly 80% of funeral homes invest in grief support, highlighting a paradox where in a market down by nearly 40%, with only 0.12% of U.S. jobs, the true business may be less about services rendered and more about offering solace in a shrinking, family-owned landscape.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The global funeral services market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2027
The number of funerals in the U.S. decreased by approximately 20% from 2000 to 2020
The global biodegradable casket market size was valued at $150 million in 2021, with a projected CAGR of 5%
Digital memorials and online tribute platforms have seen a 45% increase in usage over the past five years, reflecting trends in virtual participation
The funeral insurance market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.5% through 2025, reaching $12 billion globally
In 2022, approximately 45 million deaths occurred worldwide, leading to a higher demand for funeral services globally
The rise of pet cremation services suggests growth in the pet funeral sector, which is valued at around $1.4 billion globally in 2023
The funeral merchandise segment, including caskets and urns, accounts for approximately 55% of the industry's revenue
The global demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly urns is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2028, reaching $300 million
The average number of funeral services per day in the U.S. is approximately 2,500, totaling over 900,000 annually
The number of crematories worldwide has increased by over 40% in the last decade, aligning with the rise in cremation preferences
The market for funeral home software is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2030, driven by digitization
The number of cloth-covered caskets sold globally is expected to grow by 3.2% annually through 2026, reflecting shifts toward more aesthetically pleasing options
The global market for embalming fluids exceeds $300 million, with a CAGR of 4%, reflecting ongoing demand for embalming services
The utilization of data analytics in funeral industry operations is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2025, aiding in business optimization
The funeral insurance segment constitutes roughly 10% of the total funeral industry revenue, reflecting its role in financial planning
Global funeral urn market size was valued at $350 million in 2020 and is expected to grow steadily, with a CAGR of 5.2% through 2028
The average total cost for funeral services in Canada is approximately CAD 8,500, including burial, services, and merchandise
The industry faces a projected 6% annual growth in the demand for memorialization products such as keepsake jewelry and memorial plaques through 2025
The adoption of cloud-based funeral management software solutions increased by 50% between 2020 and 2023, streamlining operations and data management
The global market for cremation equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% and reach $200 million by 2028, driven by increasing cremation rates worldwide

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

As the funeral industry gracefully balances tradition with innovation—evidenced by a global shift toward eco-friendly caskets, digital memorials, and data-driven operations—it seems we're quietly elevating the art of saying goodbye into a high-tech, environmentally conscious, and financially intricate enterprise, all while witnessing a steady rise in cremation and memorialization preferences that rewrite the obituary of the industry itself.

Technological Innovations and Digital Services

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in funeral services is emerging, with about 12% of funeral homes experimenting with VR experiences in 2023
The percentage of funerals incorporating live streaming technology increased from 5% in 2018 to over 25% in 2023, reflecting adoption of virtual participation
The use of artificial intelligence in grief support chatbots increased by 30% in 2023, providing accessible emotional support services

Technological Innovations and Digital Services Interpretation

As VR and live streaming reshape the way we say goodbye, and AI grief chatbots lend a digital shoulder to mourners, the funeral industry is increasingly blending technology with tradition—reminding us that even in death, innovation offers a new kind of solace.