More Arizonans are choosing cremation over burial, report says

A growing number of Arizona families are choosing cremation over burial of a loved one. According to a recent survey of funeral homes, Arizona’s cremation rate is expected to increase to just over 91% by 2045.

The report by the National Funeral Directors Association looked at several trends, including cremation versus burials. In Arizona, cremation rates continue to climb, putting the state among the top three in the coming years.

Chris Robinson sits on the NFDA board. He says the reasons for cremation vary

"One of them is just that for some folks, it's more cost-effective," he said.

Other reasons include the fact that families can be geographically separated and shifts in religious practices.

"So, they are not tied to a certain liturgical tradition and what the church might have as kind of their suggested way of having a service," Robinson said.

More Western states favor cremation versus Southern states, which see more traditional burials.

At the same time, the industry is seeing a shortage in funeral service workers.

"That is when we survey the members of the National Funeral Directors Association. That's their number one challenge: is not only recruiting people, but retaining them," Robinson said.

The report found that employment in the funeral industry is projected to grow only 4% from 2023 to 2033.