A generation ago, most families in Ohio chose a traditional burial without much thought. It was simply what people did. Today, that is no longer the case. Cremation has quietly become the preferred choice for the majority of American families, and Ohio is part of that shift.
But the numbers are not the same everywhere. Cremation rates vary by state, by region, and even by city. Columbus sits in an interesting position: a growing, diverse metro area in a state that has historically leaned toward traditional burial.
This post looks at the actual data behind cremation and burial trends in Ohio, how Columbus fits into the picture, and what is driving the change.
The National Picture
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) tracks cremation and burial rates across the country each year. Their data shows a clear and consistent trend. Cremation surpassed burial as the most common choice in the United States around 2015. Since then, the gap has widened every year.
By the NFDA's most recent projections, cremation now accounts for roughly 60% or more of all dispositions nationwide. Burial accounts for most of the remainder, with a small percentage choosing donation, green burial, or other alternatives.
This is not a temporary blip. The cremation rate has moved in one direction for more than two decades. Projections suggest it will continue climbing for the foreseeable future.
Where Ohio Stands
Ohio has traditionally been a more conservative state when it comes to funeral customs. Strong ties to faith communities, multi-generational family traditions, and a deeply rooted culture of formal memorialization have kept burial rates higher here than in many other states.
That said, Ohio has followed the national trend, just at a slower pace. Ohio's cremation rate has been climbing steadily and now sits close to the national average, though it may still trail states in the West and Northeast where cremation adoption happened earlier.
States like Washington, Oregon, and Nevada have cremation rates above 75%. Southern and Midwestern states, including Ohio, tend to fall in the 50% to 60% range. Ohio is in the middle of the pack, which is a significant shift from where it was even ten years ago.
How Columbus Compares
Columbus is Ohio's largest city and one of the fastest growing metros in the Midwest. That growth has brought demographic changes that directly influence funeral preferences.
Several factors make Columbus a city where cremation has gained ground quickly:
A younger population. Columbus has a large population of adults under 40, driven by Ohio State University, a strong tech sector, and steady migration from other states. Younger adults are statistically more likely to choose cremation for themselves and when making arrangements for family members.
Increasing diversity. Columbus has become one of the most diverse cities in the Midwest. Some cultural and religious traditions favor cremation (such as Hinduism and some Buddhist practices), while others favor burial. The overall effect of growing diversity is a broader range of choices, which tends to push cremation rates upward.
Cost sensitivity. Columbus is more affordable than many major metros, but the cost of living has risen sharply in recent years. For families watching their budgets, cremation services offer a meaningful option at a lower price point than a full traditional burial.
Fewer geographic ties. In a city with a lot of transplants, families may not have a local family cemetery plot or a long relationship with a specific funeral home. That makes cremation, with its flexibility around timing and memorialization, a natural fit.
Based on these factors, Columbus likely tracks at or slightly above the statewide cremation rate. The metro area's demographics align closely with the national drivers of cremation growth.
Why Burial Still Matters
The rise of cremation does not mean burial is disappearing. Many Ohio families still choose traditional burial, and for deeply personal reasons.
Faith traditions. Many Christian denominations, Judaism, and Islam have historical preferences for burial. For families rooted in these traditions, burial is not just a practical choice. It is a matter of faith and respect.
Family heritage. Some families have plots in cemeteries that go back generations. Choosing burial keeps loved ones together in a physical place that the family can visit and maintain.
The need for a physical place. For some families, having a grave to visit provides comfort in grief. It is a destination, a place to bring flowers, to sit, to remember. Cremation offers this too (through columbariums, memorial gardens, or home urns), but the traditional graveside visit holds a deep emotional significance for many.
Cultural expectations. In some communities, particularly in parts of southern and eastern Ohio, burial remains the strong cultural norm. Choosing cremation in these areas can still feel like going against the grain.
What Is Driving the Shift Toward Cremation
The reasons families choose cremation are not one-dimensional. Research and industry surveys point to several overlapping factors:
Cost. This is the most commonly cited reason. A direct cremation can cost a fraction of what a full traditional funeral service with burial costs. Even cremation with a memorial service tends to be significantly less expensive than a burial package.
Flexibility. Cremation allows families to hold a memorial service on their own timeline. There is no rush to coordinate a burial within days. Families can take weeks or even months to plan a gathering that feels right.
Environmental concerns. A growing number of families, especially younger ones, express concern about the environmental impact of traditional burial. Embalming chemicals, hardwood or metal caskets, and concrete vaults all raise questions for environmentally conscious families. Cremation is not without its own footprint, but many see it as a lighter option. Others are exploring green burial as a third path.
Simplicity. Some families simply prefer a less formal process. They do not want a viewing. They do not want a procession. They want a quiet, dignified disposition followed by a personal gathering on their own terms.
Changing religious attitudes. The Catholic Church officially accepted cremation in 1963, though it still prefers burial. Many Protestant denominations are neutral on the question. As religious restrictions have loosened, more families feel comfortable choosing cremation without guilt.
Cremation Does Not Mean No Service
One of the biggest misconceptions about cremation is that it means skipping a service entirely. That is not the case.
Many families choose cremation and still hold a full memorial, a celebration of life, or a visitation before the cremation takes place. Some hold a service with the urn present. Others scatter ashes at a meaningful location and gather afterward for a reception.
The choice between cremation and burial is about the method of disposition. It does not dictate whether a family gathers, shares memories, or honors their loved one publicly. Those decisions are separate, and families have full control over them regardless of which path they choose.
What This Means for Columbus Families
If you are a family in Columbus or central Ohio making end-of-life decisions, here is what the trends mean for you in practical terms:
You have more options than ever. The growth of cremation has expanded the menu of services that funeral homes offer. You are not locked into a single path.
Prices are more competitive. As cremation has grown, many funeral homes have introduced more affordable packages and flexible service options. This benefits all families, even those who choose burial.
There is no wrong choice. Burial and cremation are both respectful, meaningful ways to honor someone who has passed. The right choice is the one that aligns with your family's values, beliefs, and financial situation.
Planning ahead helps. Whether you lean toward cremation or burial, making your wishes known in advance removes a heavy burden from your family. It also gives you time to compare options and make decisions without the pressure of grief.
We Are Here When You Need Us
Whether your family is considering cremation, burial, or you are not sure yet, we are here to answer your questions honestly and without pressure.
Contact Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception to talk through your options. We are available 24/7 at (614) 654-4465.
