White banner with a pale blue horizontal line across the center.

Cremation Popularity and Five Interesting Facts

Cremation Center of Southern Utah • September 14, 2022

Cremation continues to maintain its upward trend in popularity. According to the Cremation Association of North America, (CANA), in 2019, the cremation rate in the United States was 54.6%. In 2020, 56.1%. Future projections indicate that by 2025, the cremation rate in the United States will reach 65.2%, and by 2030, 72.8%.

Many factors have contributed to the meteoric rise in cremation’s popularity as the disposition of choice. People choose cremation for themselves and their loved ones for a variety of reasons, including affordability, increasing religious acceptance, regulations in foreign countries, and eco-consciousness.

For those interested in learning more about cremation, here are five facts you may not already know:

1 – Ashes are not actually ashes – the correct term is “cremated remains.”

2- Cremated remains are composed of the calcium and minerals in your bones.

3 – A cremation machine is called a retort.

4 – To cremate an average-sized human body, a retort operates between 1,600 and 1,800 Fahrenheit for approximately 3 hours.

5 – It is possible and encouraged to have a viewing and/or a funeral service prior to cremation.

Choosing to be cremated is merely a decision for disposition of the body, and it is important to note that you are making a decision that will greatly impact your loved ones. A memorial service, celebration of life, or other gathering can still be held for family and friends. Such gatherings help facilitate the healing process and help the bereaved adjust to the reality of the loss.

At the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, we guide you through the cremation process with clarity and compassion. Contact us today to obtain your copy of a free cremation planning guide by calling (435) 986-9100, or make an appointment for a private tour. We are located just off Riverside Dr. at 1316 S. 400 E., Suite A5, in St. George, UT. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CremationCenterSU.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director

By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • July 21, 2026
Who has the legal right to authorize your cremation? Utah State Code sets a specific order of succession — and pre-planning removes the guesswork.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • July 7, 2026
Top tips for traveling with cremated remains via commercial airline — non-metallic urn, carry-on placement, and the cremation permit you’ll need for TSA.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • January 9, 2026
Robert W. Service’s poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee” tells of one man’s last request — and a lesson about making sure your own final wishes are honored.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • November 19, 2025
Thanksgiving can be tremendously difficult for those mourning a loved one. Four tips to support your emotional well-being through the holiday.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • November 5, 2025
Veterans who choose cremation are entitled to burial benefits for cremated remains — including a gravesite or niche space, grave marker, and honor guard.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • April 23, 2025
Our Tree of Life program plants a tree in honor of the deceased in Southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest — over 4,100 trees planted since its inception.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • March 19, 2025
From the early Stone Age to the first North American crematory in 1876 — points of interest on the long history of cremation.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • January 28, 2025
Palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware identified the top five regrets voiced by the dying. A reminder to live life to the fullest and regret free.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • October 29, 2024
Top safety tips for drivers and for parents with little witches and warlocks haunting the streets this Halloween.
By Cremation Center of Southern Utah • July 10, 2024
If you wish to be cremated, renting a casket allows a viewing or funeral service beforehand at significant savings. How a rental casket works.
Show More