Halloween is a festive celebration characterized by activities like carving pumpkins and donning masks and costumes to trick-or-treat. 

Some trace the spooky tradition to the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. 

When large numbers of Irish and other immigrants went to the United States beginning in the mid-19th century, they took their Halloween customs with them. 

In the 20th century, Halloween, celebrated October 31 (the night before All Saints’ or All Hallows’ Day), became a favorite pastime, especially among kids. 

The following facts are possible thanks to the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. 

Trick or Treat!

133.2 million
The number of occupied U.S. housing units — potential stops for trick-or-treaters — in 2023.

Source: 2023 American Housing Survey

73.1 million
The estimated number of U.S. children under the age of 18 (read: potential trick-or-treaters) as of July 1, 2024.

Source: Vintage 2024 Population Estimates

Sweet Economic Statistics

56.6 million

The number of occupied U.S. housing units with steps that trick-or-treaters had to climb to collect their treats – or tricks – in 2023.

Source: 2023 American Housing Survey

Sweet Economic Statistics
Source: 2023 County Business Patterns*

3,409
The number of U.S. confectionery and nut stores in 2023.

681
The number of U.S. formal wear and costume rental establishments in 2023.

280
The number of U.S. establishments that primarily produced products from cacao beans in 2023.

* County Business Patterns data represent establishments with employees. 

Spooky-Sounding Places
Sources: City and Town Population Totals 2020-2024*

Big Bear Lake City, Calif. (2024 population: 5,044). 
Casper, Wyo. (2024 population: 58,823). 
Deadwood City, S.D. (2024 population: 1,347). 
Devils Lake, N.D. (2024 population: 7,314). 
Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (2024 population: 7,742). 
Scarville, Iowa (2024 population: 75).
Seven Devils Town, N.C. (2024 population: 316).
Slaughter Beach, Del. (2024 population: 247). 
Slaughter Town, La. (2024 population: 989). 
Slaughters City, Ky. (2024 population: 187). 
Sleepy Hollow, Ill. (2024 population: 3,137). 
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (2024 population: 11,427). 
Tombstone, Ariz. (2024 population: 1,382).
Truth or Consequences, N.M. (2024 population: 5,942).
Yellville, Ark. (2024 population: 1,169).