The Economics of Everyday Things
42. Cemeteries
Apr 1, 2024
Experts in the burial industry discuss the financial intricacies and evolution of cemeteries in America, including costs, perpetual care, and market challenges. They cover topics like tax filing, planning for burial plots, online listing services, and the shift towards cremation. The podcast also explores the fascination with mausoleums and includes sponsored messages from Tax Act, Ashley, and Capella University.
18:59
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Cemeteries operate as a business selling burial plots with costs varying from $1,000 to $50,000.
- Cemetery plot values have appreciated, outpacing the housing market, prompting concerns for capacity and revenue sustainability.
Deep dives
Traditional Cemeteries and Cemetery Economics
Cemeteries, often owned by private companies or nonprofits, operate as a business in the $3 billion cemetery industry in the US. Burial plots, not real estate, are sold to customers, with costs varying from $1,000 to $50,000 depending on the location and type of cemetery. Expenses for traditional burials can exceed $20,000, including additional charges for opening and closing the plot, an outer burial container, a headstone, and recording fees.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
