American migration has had a huge effect on the U.S. cremation rate. We’ve already taken a look at the latest cremation and funeral service data, which suggests we’re approaching a deceleration period where growth is likely to slow substantially. Of course, in states where cremation is the lowest there’s still more room for growth, but in states like Nevada where the cremation rate is already 83.1%, it probably won’t get much higher.
Now we’re analyzing the latest moving data to decipher how it could impact people’s disposition choices in the coming years. Fewer people are moving today compared to previous years, but it’s where people are moving that can make the biggest difference.
Where Americans Are Moving
Using data from the U.S. Census in 2023 and United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study we’re able to get a clear picture of where Americans are moving. In other words, what areas will be experiencing population growth and which areas may see a decline.
Currently, much of the country is balanced, meaning the number of people who are moving out of the state and moving into the state are roughly the same. This is largely the case in much of middle America. However, it’s a different story on the coasts, in the southeast and a few states in the midwest.
States With the Most People Moving In
The states listed below currently have a high to medium inbound rate.
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Delaware
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Virginia
- Florida
- Indiana
Many people who are moving out of state are likely moving into one of the states above. The southeast is the region experiencing the greatest amount of growth. The Carolinas, Alabama, West Virginia and Arkansas all have a high inbound rate while Florida, Indiana and Virginia have a medium inbound rate.
In West Virginia, job opportunities and family ties are bringing more people into the state. Retirement, cost and lifestyle are the top reasons people say they are moving to the Carolinas, Alabama and Idaho.
However, Vermont has the largest inbound rate by far at 70.7%. Affordable retirement and family are what’s drawing people to the state, which is also the case in Delaware.
States With the Most People Moving Out
The states listed below currently have a high to medium outbound rate.
- New Jersey
- Illinois
- New York
- California
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
New Jersey and New York are neighboring states that are both facing a high outbound migration rate. Cost and retirement are the two top reasons people are moving out, but in New Jersey lifestyle is also a contributing factor.
California is continuing to lose residents at an outbound rate that’s considered high. United Van Lines measures the state as having a 42% inbound rate and an outbound rate of 58%. The biggest reason for the exodus is cost. Although it doesn’t have the highest outbound rate, its population size means that far more people are moving out of the state compared to North Dakota, Illinois and Massachusetts.
In Illinois, North Dakota and Massachusetts the driving force behind the outbound trend is lifestyle and retirement to areas with milder winters.
Could Relocations to the Southeast Slow the Cremation Rate?
Cremation rates aren’t just about the population size. Many factors go into the decision of which type of disposition to choose, including social norms where a person lives. In the U.S. states the southeast is where you’ll find the states with the lowest cremation rates. If more people are moving to those states, could that affect cremation rates?
Social Norms
If people are moving to states in the southeast where the cremation rates are on the lower end, there’s reason to believe it could cause the cremation rate to level off or drop nationally. People who migrate to those states could be swayed by the local social norms and be more inclined to select burial over cremation.
But it could have the opposite effect. Remember all of those Californians and New Yorkers that are moving to other parts of the country? The vast majority of people from those states choose cremation. They could take their current viewpoints and influence others in their new location. Essentially, they could bring new ideas and perspectives to an area that makes people consider other options.
Room For the Cremation Rate to Go Higher in States Where People Are Moving
Many of the states where people are moving in don’t have the highest cremation rate currently. In fact, West Virginia is the state where the cremation rate is growing the fastest because the rate was so low. Between 2015 and 2022 the rate grew by 15.6%. Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas and Indiana are also on the list of states with the highest increase in cremation during that time period.
With more people moving in from cremation-friendly states, it could increase the cremation rate faster than expected in some states.
Age of People Who Are Moving
One thing to keep in mind is that retirement is a huge contributing factor for outbound relocations right now. That suggests many of the Americans who are moving are older, and that could have an impact on disposition rates sooner rather than later.
Cost Consciousness
By far, the biggest deciding factor for an out of state relocation is financial. Cost of living is the most common reason for moving to another state. Retirement is another top consideration, which is financially related as well. Many people live on a fixed income in retirement so it’s important to be able to stretch a dollar as far as possible.
Given that people who are on the move are so budget conscious, it stands to reason that these individuals would be just as mindful about funeral service expenses. Affordability is often cited as the top reason people choose cremation over burial.
Here in Texas migration is balanced and alternative forms of disposition are becoming more socially acceptable. Would you like more information about affordable eco-friendly funeral services and the related costs in Texas? Give us a call, text or email at any time for assistance getting answers to your questions or arranging funeral services.