What a funeral costs in Arkansas
NFDA doesn't publish funeral prices by state. Nationally, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. Cemetery costs such as a plot, vault, and headstone are extra, and prices vary widely between funeral homes.
In Arkansas, about 45% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2020. Source: NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report — state table (final 2020 data)
Federal law (the FTC Funeral Rule) requires funeral homes to give you an itemized price list, so you can compare. Estimate your own total with our funeral cost calculator.
Consumer protections in Arkansas
If a life insurer licensed in Arkansas becomes insolvent, the Arkansas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association covers up to $300,000 in death benefits and $300,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: Arkansas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association — FAQ
Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Arkansas Insurance Department (501-371-2640). Funeral homes are licensed by the Arkansas Insurance Department — Funeral Services Division (State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries and Burial Services).
Help paying for a funeral
Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Arkansas veterans. A small final expense policy is one way families make sure the rest is covered; learn how final expense insurance works and how guaranteed issue waiting periods work.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my life insurance in Arkansas if the insurance company fails?
The Arkansas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects Arkansas policyholders if a licensed insurer becomes insolvent, up to $300,000 in life insurance death benefits and $300,000 in cash value per insured life under state law. Coverage above those limits isn't protected.
See final expense optionsHow common is cremation in Arkansas?
About 45% of deaths in Arkansas resulted in cremation as of 2020, according to NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report — state table (final 2020 data).
See final expense optionsWho regulates life insurance in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Insurance Department licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints; its consumer line is 501-371-2640. Funeral homes are licensed by the Arkansas Insurance Department — Funeral Services Division (State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries and Burial Services).
See final expense options