Halloween Facts

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Editor's Note: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween 2020 will be another of those "like none before" events. Some communities have banned trick or treating, others have adopted different ways of carrying on, yet at least around my home the store shelves are still well stocked with Halloween candy, decorations and other supplies. We won't know for a while how different Halloween 2020 will be, but here are some facts gathered from more typical celebrations before COVID.

Dating back 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween is an ancient tradition associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration characterized by child-friendly activities like trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, and dressing in costumes.

The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy. 

Trick or Treat!

41.0 million
The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2019 — children ages 5 to 14.
Source: 2019 Population Estimates

126.8 million
The number of potential stops for trick-or-treaters to occupied housing units for the second quarter of 2020.
Source: Housing Vacancies and Homeownership

57.4 million
The number of housing units with steps trick-or-treaters had to climb to fill their bags with goodies in 2019.
Source: 2019 American Housing Survey

16.4%
The percentage of U.S. households who think their neighborhood has a lot of petty crime.
Source: 2019 American Housing Survey

Hauntingly Delicious Economic Statistics

258
The number of U.S. establishments that produced chocolate products from cocoa beans in 2018.
Source: 2018 County Business Patterns

3,421
The number of U.S. confectionery and nut stores that sold candy and other confectionery products in 2018.
Source: 2018 County Business Patterns

892
The number of formal wear and costume rental establishments in the United States in 2018.
Source: 2018 County Business Patterns

Spooky Places

Tombstone, Ariz. (estimated population 1,375)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (estimated population 10,138)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (estimated population 7,035)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Yellville, Ark. (estimated population 1,162)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Transylvania County, N.C. (estimated population 33,513)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Slaughter Beach, Del. (estimated population 231)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Casper, Wyo. (estimated population 58,756)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey

Scarville, Iowa (estimated population 78)
Source: 2018 American Community Survey