GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Obituaries Statistics

Obituaries statistics provide important insights into trends related to an individual's age at death, causes of death, and societal contributions.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

How we write

In this post, we explore a comprehensive collection of statistics surrounding obituaries, shedding light on various aspects of commemorating the departed and the evolving trends in how we remember and honor the deceased. From the historical origins of newspaper obituaries to the modern-day digital platforms and their impact, the data presented here offers a rich tapestry of insights into this integral part of our cultural and social fabric.

Statistic 1

"Facebook has become a common platform for memorializing the deceased, with over 30 million profiles turned into memorials."

Statistic 2

"Newspapers' total revenue from obituaries is estimated to be over $1 billion annually in the U.S."

Statistic 3

"Over 8,000 newspapers worldwide have dedicated obituary sections."

Statistic 4

"Approximately 85% of obituaries published in U.S. newspapers are written by family members."

Statistic 5

"Only about 3% of all deaths are commemorated with an online obituary."

Statistic 6

"Digital and interactive obituaries on websites are more commonly used by the younger generation."

Statistic 7

"The first newspaper obituary in the United States was published in 1721."

Statistic 8

"55% of obituaries in the U.S. include a charitable donation request in lieu of flowers."

Statistic 9

"The frequency of female obituaries has increased over the last decade as more women enter public life and careers."

Statistic 10

"Many online obituary services offer interactive features such as guest books, tribute walls, and photo sharing."

Statistic 11

"Obituary publication timelines vary by newspaper but generally range from within 24 hours to several days after death."

Statistic 12

"The average length of a newspaper obituary is around 200 to 500 words."

Statistic 13

"90% of obituaries in leading newspapers include photographs."

Statistic 14

"Obituaries on high-traffic online platforms can receive over 1,000 unique visitors in the first 24 hours."

Statistic 15

"70% of obituaries in newspapers follow a standard format that includes a headline, biographical information, and service details."

Statistic 16

"The term "obituaries" shows a significant peak in search trends during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years."

Statistic 17

"There are specialized genealogical websites that archive obituaries dating back centuries."

In conclusion, the landscape of obituaries is evolving with the advancement of digital platforms and changing societal trends. The statistics reveal a shift towards online memorialization, particularly among the younger generation, while traditional newspaper obituaries remain a significant revenue stream and are predominantly family-written. The inclusion of interactive features and charitable donation requests highlights the adaptability of obituary practices. As technology continues to shape how we commemorate the departed, it is evident that the purpose and format of obituaries are dynamic and reflective of broader cultural shifts.