Cemeteries are frequently thought of being melancholy, serene locations where departed loved ones can be placed to rest. However, did you know that cemeteries are a form of commerce? Yes, cemeteries do generate revenue from the sale of burial plots. In fact, a funeral with burial costs an average of $7,360 in the United States, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, and a sizable chunk of that amount is spent on buying a burial plot.
What is the potential revenue from selling burial sites to a cemetery? The answer relies on a number of variables, including the cemetery’s location, the area’s attractiveness, and the size of the burial plots. In general, a cemetery may accommodate 200 to 1,000 graves per acre, with 500 being the norm. A cemetery with 10 acres of land and 500 graves per acre may earn $10 million in revenue if we assume an average cost of $2,000 each spot.
Cemeteries’ economics, however, go beyond only the sale of burial plots. Additionally, many cemeteries provide upkeep, maintenance, and extra services like grave opening and shutting. These services can be a significant source of income for the cemetery and are frequently charged individually.
After considering everything, should you reserve a burial plot? Yes, pre-purchasing a burial plot may be a wise move. By doing this, you can lessen the financial burden that will fall on your loved ones after your passing. Additionally, you can decide where and what kind of burial plot you want, rather than leaving it up to your relatives. Are you able to purchase a burial ground in advance in relation to this? You can, indeed. Pre-need sales, which let you buy a burial spot in advance, are common at cemeteries. Additionally, some cemetery provide payment options that might help make buying a burial space more affordable.
What occurs to cemeteries a century from now? Depending on the cemetery and the state it is located in, this varies. Perpetual care cemeteries are those where the cemetery is in charge of upkeep of the grounds indefinitely. Other cemeteries, however, might have a time limit on their upkeep duties. In certain situations, the cemetery may transfer title to the local government or municipality. As an alternative, the cemetery may be sold to a private business or person who would be in charge of maintaining it.
In summary, cemeteries do generate revenue from the sale of burial plots and related services. Many cemeteries allow pre-purchases, which can be a smart idea when purchasing a burial space. The fate of a cemetery after 100 years is determined by its maintenance requirements and the state’s legislation.
No, it is not lawful to bury a person on private property in New York State unless it has been recognized as a family cemetery and satisfies certain criteria, such being at least one acre in size and not being situated in a wetland or floodplain. Even then, the burial must adhere to all applicable municipal, state, and federal laws and be authorized by the local health department.