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Quick Facts About Cremation
Nationwide statistics indicate that cremation is rapidly becoming a preferred method of memorial and disposition, with the greatest rates of confirmed cremation occurring in the Western U.S. As late as 2001, approximately 27% of deaths in the U.S. resulted in a cremation, up from just 6% in 1975. Current projections in the U.S. call for nearly 1 million cremations by 2010 with nearly half the population demonstrating – by 2025 – a preference for cremation at death.
Here are some other enlightening statistics and facts about cremation in North America:
- 27% - The percentage of U.S. families now choosing cremation at death
- 36% - The percentage of U.S. families expected to choose cremation at death in the year 2010
- 45% - The percentage of U.S. families expected to choose cremation at death in the year 2025
- 6% - The percentage of U.S. families who chose cremation at death in 1975
- 45% - The percentage of Canadian families now electing cremation at death
- 700,000 – The approximate number of cremations annually in the U.S.
- 1 million – The approximate number of cremations expected in the U.S. by 2010.
- Western U.S. – The region of the U.S. with the highest state-by-state cremation percentages; currently there are seven states with over 50% of deaths resulting in cremation, led by Nevada and Hawaii, each recording percentages over 62%
- 1,700 – The approximate number of crematories now operating in the U.S.
There are several reasons why people choose the cremation option:
- Less expensive
- Use less land/more environmentally friendly
- Simpler/less emotional/more convenient
- Personal preference
- Body not placed into the earth
- Ashes can be strewn
Cremation also offers a number of important advantages:
- Ability to "release" ashes back to the earth through a scattering ceremony
- Environmental aspects of the cremation option
- The ability to have all the aspects of a traditional funeral service
- Total cost and value of a cremation service
- Keepsake and remembrance aspects of a cremation
- Wide ethical and religious acceptance of cremation
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