U.S. Census Bureau Releases Key Statistics for Halloween

Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration characterized by child-friendly activities, such as costumes, trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. Following are various key statistics associated with this festive celebration.

41.1 million

The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2015 — children ages 5 to 14 — across the U.S. Of course, many other children — older than age 15 and younger than age 5 — also go trick-or-treating.

118.3 million

The number of occupied housing units across the nation in the second quarter 2016 — all potential stops for trick-or-treaters.

40,900

The number of acres of pumpkins harvested in the U.S. in 2015, with a total estimated production value of $90.2 million. Of the top six pumpkin-producing states, Illinois led the country by producing an estimated 318.0 million pounds of this vined gourd, followed by California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. Pumpkins are frequently carved as decorations around Halloween.

1,078

The number of formal wear and costume rental establishments in the U.S. This industry had 6,611 paid employees across the nation in 2014 (for the pay period including March 12, 2014).

For more interesting and fun facts for Halloween, please visit the U.S. Census Bureau's latest issue of Facts for Features:  Halloween: Oct. 31, 2016.