Cemeteries in the United States are generally well-maintained but face challenges such as aging infrastructure, funding gaps, and shifting burial practices. Public and private cemeteries adhere to local regulations, though some struggle with long-term care. Recent trends emphasize sustainability and community engagement.

The condition of U.S. cemeteries reflects broader demographic and economic trends. According to a 2022 report by the National Association of Burial Cemeteries (NABC), 30% of cemeteries report financial strain due to rising maintenance costs and declining burial rates. Aging infrastructure is a critical issue: 40% of cemeteries established before 1970 face challenges like crumbling headstones and overgrown landscapes, per a 2021 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These problems are exacerbated in rural areas, where 25% of cemeteries are at risk of closure due to population decline, as noted by the University of North Carolina’s 2023 Rural Cemetery Sustainability Project.

Funding constraints are another key factor. Local governments and private operators often rely on endowments or user fees, but 45% of public cemeteries received reduced government funding between 2018 and 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This has led to deferred maintenance, such as unstable gravesites and environmental hazards like water contamination from improper burial waste. The EPA estimates that 15% of cemeteries in urban areas violate environmental regulations, contributing to soil and groundwater pollution.

In response, the Green Burial Council reported a 20% annual increase in eco-friendly burial practices since 2020, driven by consumer demand for sustainable options. Additionally, 60% of cemeteries now partner with nonprofits or community groups to secure grants and volunteer labor, per the NABC’s 2023 survey. While challenges persist, proactive policies and public-private collaborations are improving cemetery management nationwide.