Halloween: October 31, 2023
 Halloween is a fun and festive celebration characterized by child-friendly activities like carving pumpkins and donning masks and quirky 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. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we measure America’s people, places and economy.
Trick or Treat!
128.5 million
The number of occupied U.S. housing units – potential stops for trick-or-treaters – in 2021. Source: 2021 American Housing Survey
72.4 million
The estimated number of U.S. children under age 18 (read: potential trick-or-treaters) as of July 1, 2022. Source: Vintage 2022 Population Estimates
60.6 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 2021. Source: 2021 American Housing Survey
Sweet Economic Statistics
3,227
The number of U.S. confectionery and nut stores in 2021. Source: 2021 County Business Patterns*
726
The number of U.S. formal wear and costume rental establishments in 2021. Source: 2021 County Business Patterns*
255
The number of U.S. establishments that primarily produced products from cocoa beans in 2021. Source: 2021 County Business Patterns*
*The County Business Patterns data above represents establishments with employees.
Spooky-Sounding Places
Source: City and Town Population Totals 2020-2022
Big Bear Lake City, Calif. (2022 population: 5,031)
Casper, Wyo. (2022 population: 58,543)
Devils Lake, N.D. (2022 population: 7,161)
Deadwood City, S.D. (2022 population: 1,245)
Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (2022 population: 7,797)
Scarville, Iowa (2022 population: 77)
Seven Devils Town, N.C. (2022 population: 319)
Slaughter Beach, Del. (2022 population: 234)
Slaughter Town, La. (2022 population: 1,001)
Slaughters City, Ky. (2022 population: 187)
Sleepy Hollow, Ill. (2022 population: 3,147)
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (2022 population: 11,001)
Tombstone, Ariz. (2022 population: 1,313)
Transylvania County, N.C. (2022 population: 33,355)
Truth or Consequences, N.M. (2022 population: 5,977)
Yellville, Ark. (2022 population: 1,170)
Editor’s note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error.
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