Which States Are The Most Excited About Halloween

Is Your State The Most Excited About Halloween?

• A recent study explored which U.S. states are the most enthusiastic about Halloween, with California topping the list.
• New York is the second state where people prepare more excitedly for Halloween, with more than 3580 upcoming Halloween events.
• Texas ranks third with high costume searches, reaching more than 1,168,000 during Halloween.

A recent study by Backyard Oasis analyzed the most Halloween-enthusiastic states in the U.S. by considering six key factors contributing to Halloween excitement. These factors include Halloween costume searches, decoration searches, candy interest, the number of haunted houses, upcoming Halloween events in each state, etc. Each factor was weighted based on its significance to the overall Halloween experience, with greater emphasis placed on costume searches and haunted houses. The population of each state was accounted for to ensure the scores were accurately comparable. The data was then combined into a composite score, ranking the most Halloween-obsessed states.

California is the most Halloween-obsessed state, with a composite score of 51.77. It has a massive 14.7 million costume searches and 55 haunted houses - more than any other state. Californians’ enthusiasm for Halloween extends to their love for large-scale events, with 4,900 Halloween gatherings across the state. M&M's are the candy of choice in this spooky haven.

New York ranks 2nd with a score of 50.63. The Empire State leads in Halloween candy searches, with 724,690 people hunting for their favorite treats, particularly Sour Patch Kids, which is the most popular candy. With 3,580 Halloween events, New York also comes alive with festive activities, offering everything from haunted houses to thrilling Halloween parties. 

Texas is the 3rd most Halloween-obsessed state with a composite score of 48.16. The state ranks second only to California in costume searches, with 9.3 million people looking for the perfect spooky outfit. Texas also has 47 haunted houses, a testament to the state's love for all things eerie. Like New York, Sour Patch Kids are the most popular candy in Texas, reflecting a shared sweet tooth between these two Halloween-loving states.

Florida secures 4th place with a score of 41.7. Floridians love Halloween events, with 3,080 spread across the state, making it one of the top places for spooky celebrations. The state’s favorite candy is Reese's Cups, adding a chocolatey flair to its Halloween fun. Florida’s combination of exciting events and sweet treats makes it a top contender for Halloween excitement.

Illinois ranks 5th in the Halloween excitement ranking with a score of 41.47. Illinois stands out with 52 haunted houses, second only to California, making it a prime destination for Halloween thrill-seekers. Costume searches are more than 4 million in Illinois, as residents get into the Halloween spirit. Sour Patch Kids are the candy of choice here, reflecting the state’s fondness for tangy sweets during the holiday.

Ohio comes in 6th, achieving a composite score of 41.2. Ohioans show a strong passion for both costumes and haunted houses, with 3.3 million costume searches and 49 haunted houses across the state. Blow Pops tops the candy list, adding a fun and nostalgic twist to Ohio’s Halloween festivities. 

Pennsylvania is the seventh state that enthusiastically prepares for Halloween, with a composite score of 40.59. The state has 42 haunted houses and a strong interest in Halloween candy. Hershey's Mini Bars, a local favorite, dominate the candy preference in Pennsylvania.

Indiana takes 8th place with a score of 36.73. Costume searches are a highlight, with 1.8 million residents looking for the perfect Halloween attire. Indiana also has 44 haunted houses, ensuring plenty of scares for thrill-seekers. Starburst is the state’s favorite candy, adding a burst of fruity flavor to its Halloween festivities.

Michigan ranks 9th with a score of 36.46. The state shows strong engagement in both costume searches and haunted houses, with 39 haunted houses offering plenty of spooky thrills. Starburst is also the top candy in Michigan, making it a popular treat for trick-or-treaters across the state.

Massachusetts rounds out the top 10 with a composite score of 36.4. The state offers plenty of Halloween events and haunted houses to keep residents entertained. Butterfinger is the candy of choice here, adding a satisfying crunch to the state’s Halloween celebrations. With its rich history and festive spirit, Massachusetts is the perfect place to enjoy a spooky Halloween.

Andy Wu, CEO of Backyard Oasis, commented on the study, "Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year, bringing people together through creativity and celebration. It's amazing to see how different states embrace the holiday in their own unique ways, from massive costume searches to thrilling haunted houses. California, for example, truly leads the way with its vibrant Halloween events and spooky attractions. It’s clear that Halloween is more than just a holiday - it's a tradition that sparks creativity and joy across the U.S."

You can see the full research by the link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRGXdzy4Mw6t4gbKW2eUvv0qyBhElqkzusb-oYROXJob_qeePiyhnEyfPaJ8TQoIQGIFSgD6MkjvoGN/pubhtml