As the trusted leader and worldwide resource for the funeral service profession, NFDA provides independent data and information on trends, statistics, issues and best practices across all facets of death care to inform and educate members, other stakeholders, and the public. To accomplish this goal, NFDA conducts both primary and secondary research on vital topics and issues.

NFDA Research Reports

Free Downloads

• Changing Consumer Preferences: A Generational Perspective on Attitudes Toward Funeral Service (2025)
  A first-of-its-kind, this study examines consumer attitudes toward funeral service across generations and offers critical insights to help funeral service professionals adapt to evolving consumer expectations.
• Business Practices Study (2025) 
  As the rate of cremation increases, funeral directors must adapt. This study explores how their cremation-related business practices are evolving in a changing marketplace.
• Consumer Awareness and Preferences Survey (2023)
  NFDA goes directly to consumers to understand their evolving preferences regarding funeral service and shares key lessons with funeral professionals in this report.
• Employer/Student Satisfaction Study (2022)
  Recruiting and retaining qualified professionals is a top concern for funeral directors. This study evaluates whether job seeker and employer expectations are congruent, realistic and achievable.
• Value of a Funeral Study (2022)
  The COVID-19 pandemic led to profound changes in how people experienced funerals and memorial services. This study examines whether these changes will take root.

Free Downloads

Free to Members - Available for Purchase

• Cremation and Burial Report (2023)
• General Price List Report (2023)

Previous Landmark Studies Available for Purchase

• Prep Room Ventilation Study: Formaldehyde Vapor Reduction in the Funeral Home Preparation Room: Recommendations for Effective Preparation Room Ventilation (2010)
• Septic Study: Investigation of the Removal of Formaldehyde and Phenol By Funeral Home Septic Systems (2003)
• Funeral Home Waste Stream Audit Report (1995)

Howard C. Raether Library

NFDA maintains the Howard C. Raether Library, a unique collection of books, periodicals, proceedings and other materials dealing specifically with funeral service and related death care topics. Located at NFDA in Brookfield, Wisconsin, the library is a non-lending research collection, open to students and researchers by appointment only. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday- Friday. Contact NFDA at 800-228-6332 or NFDA@NFDA.org for details.