As of late 2025, Halloween has cemented itself as far more than just a night for children to collect candy; it is a massive cultural and economic juggernaut in the United States. What began as a patchwork of harvest festivals and imported traditions has evolved into a uniquely American season of “spooky” commerce, community parades, and competitive decoration. From the pumpkin fields of the Midwest to the haunted attractions of the South, the holiday touches nearly every corner of the nation.
At Top 10 America, we believe the numbers tell the most fascinating story. While many enjoy the surface-level fun of costumes and parties, our analysis reveals the staggering scale of industry and local pride that powers October 31st. We look beyond the plastic spiders to find the towns that hold world records, the states that produce our festive gourds, and the regional quirks that define how Americans celebrate.
In this guide, we explore the verified statistics and historical milestones that define modern Halloween in the USA. Whether it’s the billion-dollar candy economy or the specific town known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” these are the essential facts that explain why this holiday is a true American heavyweight.
Overview: Top 10 Fun Facts About Halloween in the USA
| Rank | Fact / Topic | Location/Origin | Key Statistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Spirit Halloween’s Retail Takeover | Egg Harbor Twp, New Jersey (HQ) | 1,525+ Seasonal Stores |
| 9 | The “Candy Corn Belt” | Midwest & South (IA, MS, KY) | Highest Regional Sales |
| 8 | The Haunted House Economy | Nationwide (1,200+ Attractions) | $300M – $500M Revenue |
| 7 | Pet Costume Mania | Nationwide | $700 Million Spent |
| 6 | America’s “Sweetest” State | Utah | 50% More Candy Orders |
| 5 | Reese’s Peanut Butter Dominance | Hershey, Pennsylvania | #1 Candy in Most States |
| 4 | The Jack-o’-Lantern Record War | Highwood, IL vs. Keene, NH | 30,919 Lit Pumpkins |
| 3 | The $11.6 Billion Economy | Nationwide | $103+ Per Person |
| 2 | The “Halloween Capital of the World” | Anoka, Minnesota | First Parade (1920) |
| 1 | The Global Pumpkin Powerhouse | Morton, Illinois | 90-95% of Canned Pumpkin |
Top 10. Spirit Halloween’s Retail Takeover
Every autumn, a unique phenomenon occurs across the American retail landscape: the sudden appearance of over 1,500 “Spirit Halloween” stores. Headquartered in New Jersey, this brand has mastered the art of the “pop-up” model, transforming vacant storefronts—often former big-box retailers—into temporary hubs for costumes and animatronics. It signals the start of the season as reliably as changing leaves.
Top 10 America views this business model as a masterclass in American adaptability and seasonal demand. By occupying empty real estate for just a few months, the company not only dominates the market but has become a cultural meme in its own right. The retailer hires tens of thousands of seasonal employees, creating a short-term economic micro-boom in communities across the country.
Fun fact: The logistical precision required to open over 1,500 stores simultaneously is rivaled only by major military operations. In recent years, the brand has even expanded into film partnerships and “Spirit Christmas” concepts, proving that their temporary footprint has a permanent impact on American pop culture.
Key Highlights
- Store Count: Over 1,525 locations opened in the 2024-2025 season.
- Workforce: Hires approximately 50,000 seasonal employees annually.
- Cultural Impact: The brand has become a viral internet meme for replacing closed businesses.
Top 9. The “Candy Corn Belt”
While candy corn is often voted one of the most polarized treats in the nation, purchasing data reveals a specific geographic stronghold where it is genuinely adored. Sales figures consistently show that states in the Midwest and South, particularly Mississippi, Kentucky, and Nebraska, purchase this tricolored confection at rates significantly higher than the national average.
We suggest that this regional preference speaks to a deeper appreciation for nostalgic, traditional sweets in these areas. While coastal cities often favor newer, chocolate-based trends, the “Candy Corn Belt” holds fast to the sugary, mellowcreme classic that has been a staple of American autumns for over a century. It is a taste of history that refuses to fade.
Interestingly, the production process for candy corn has remained largely unchanged since the late 1800s. Known originally as “Chicken Feed,” it was designed to appeal to America’s agrarian roots—a connection that perhaps explains its enduring popularity in the nation’s agricultural heartland.
Key Highlights
- Top Buyers: Mississippi, Nebraska, and Kentucky lead per-capita sales.
- Original Name: Sold as “Chicken Feed” in the 1880s.
- Production Volume: Roughly 35 million pounds are produced annually.
Top 8. The Haunted House Economy
The American appetite for fear has birthed a massive “haunted attraction” industry, now estimated to be worth hundreds of millions in ticket sales alone. From high-tech scream parks in California to terrifying hayrides in Pennsylvania, there are over 1,200 professional attractions operating nationwide. This does not include the thousands of amateur yard haunts that dot suburban neighborhoods.
Historical records show a fascinating shift in this industry: nearly 80% of these attractions are operated by or for charity organizations. Fire departments, local non-profits, and community groups use the Halloween season as their primary fundraising vehicle. It is a uniquely American synergy where getting scared in a dark warehouse directly supports local community services.
We find the evolution of these attractions remarkable—moving from simple “spook alleys” to complex, theatrical productions with Hollywood-grade special effects. The industry now supports a secondary market of vendors who specialize solely in animatronic monsters, professional makeup, and fog machines, employing thousands of artists and engineers year-round.
Key Highlights
- Market Size: Generates between $300 million and $500 million in ticket revenue.
- Charitable Link: ~80% of attractions support a charity or non-profit.
- Scale: Over 1,200 verified professional attractions exist in the US.
Top 7. Pet Costume Mania
In a display of affection that might baffle other cultures, Americans are projected to spend approximately $700 million this year just on costumes for their pets. This trend is visible in dog parks from New York City to Austin, Texas, where pets are dressed as everything from “hot dogs” to delivery drivers. It reflects the modern American view of pets as integral family members who participate fully in holiday traditions.
Top 10 America observes that this spending category has proven resilient even during economic downturns. Social media drives much of this growth, as owners seek the perfect photo opportunity for Instagram or TikTok. The psychological reward of sharing a festive pet photo appears to be a powerful driver of consumer behavior.
The most popular costumes remain surprisingly consistent. The “pumpkin” is the perennial favorite, followed closely by the “hot dog” (usually for Dachshunds) and the “bat.” However, pop culture trends are bleeding into this sector too, with pet costumes based on current superhero movies and streaming series seeing a sharp rise in sales.
Key Highlights
- Total Spending: $700 million projected for the 2024-2025 season.
- Top Costume: The “Pumpkin” remains the #1 choice for pets (10% of sales).
- Trend Driver: 20% of owners cite social media as their inspiration.
Top 6. America’s “Sweetest” State: Utah
When it comes to sheer volume of candy purchasing, one state stands above the rest. Data from major grocery delivery services reveals that Utah consistently orders more Halloween candy per capita than any other state—often surpassing the national average by nearly 50%. This statistical outlier has earned the Beehive State a reputation as the “sweet tooth” capital of the US.
We suggest this high consumption is linked to Utah’s unique demographic and cultural structure. With the largest average household size in the nation and a strong cultural emphasis on family-centric community holidays, the density of trick-or-treaters in Utah neighborhoods is unmatched. Halloween here is a massive, neighborhood-wide event rather than just a scattered activity.
While chocolate reigns supreme nationwide, Utah’s preferences often skew toward non-chocolate sweets and bulk buying. The state’s enthusiasm helps drive the massive seasonal spike for confectioners, proving that the spirit of Halloween is alive and well in the American West.
Key Highlights
- Volume Leader: Utah households buy ~50% more candy than the US average.
- Demographic Factor: Driven by highest average household size in the US.
- Key Insight: Salt Lake City consistently ranks in top “Trick-or-Treat” cities.
Top 5. Reese’s Peanut Butter Dominance
If Halloween in America has a flavor, it is peanut butter and chocolate. Sales data confirms that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, manufactured by Hershey in Pennsylvania, are the undisputed king of Halloween baskets. They rank as the number one preferred candy in the vast majority of US states, beating out competitors like M&Ms and Snickers by a significant margin.
Top 10 America recognizes this as a triumph of American confectionery engineering. The specific ratio of peanut butter to chocolate in the seasonal “pumpkin” shapes is often cited by fans as superior to the standard cup, driving a frenzy of seasonal purchasing. This brand loyalty is so strong that it dictates retailer stocking strategies across the continent.
Interestingly, while Reese’s dominates the national map, there are stubborn pockets of resistance. Arizona often favors Skittles, and Hawaii has shown a preference for darker chocolates or local favorites. Yet, the “orange pack” remains the gold standard currency of trick-or-treating trading sessions everywhere.
Key Highlights
- Ranking: The #1 selling Halloween candy brand in the USA.
- Origin: Produced by The Hershey Company, rooted in Pennsylvania.
- Seasonal Twist: The “Pumpkin” shape is often rated higher than standard cups by consumers.
Top 4. The Jack-o’-Lantern Record War
A fierce, festive rivalry exists between two small American towns: Highwood, Illinois and Keene, New Hampshire. For years, these communities have battled for the Guinness World Record for the “Most Lit Jack-o’-Lanterns Displayed.” This friendly war has pushed the record into staggering territory, with tens of thousands of pumpkins illuminated simultaneously.
Historical records show Keene held the title for years, turning their “Pumpkin Festival” into a New England legend. However, Highwood, a suburb of Chicago, stepped up the challenge, eventually logging a verified count of 30,919 lit pumpkins in a single display. This competition exemplifies the American spirit of “going big” and community mobilization.
Visiting either of these festivals offers a breathtaking sight: walls of orange light stretching as far as the eye can see. It requires thousands of volunteers and months of planning, turning a simple vegetable into a massive communal art installation that draws visitors from around the globe.
Key Highlights
- Current Record: 30,919 lit jack-o’-lanterns (Highwood, IL).
- The Rival: Keene, NH previously held the record with 30,581.
- Spectacle: Requires scaffolding and massive volunteer coordination to light simultaneously.
Top 3. The $11.6 Billion Economy
Halloween is no longer a minor holiday; it is a retail titan. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), total Halloween spending in the USA has surged to nearly $11.6 billion, with projections for 2025-2026 pushing even higher. This includes spending on costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards, making it the second-largest commercial holiday after Christmas.
We view this spending as a reflection of the American desire for escapism and entertainment. The average consumer now spends over $103 on Halloween-related items. The fastest-growing category is not candy, but home decorations—Americans are increasingly decorating their yards with the same intensity formerly reserved for the winter holidays.
This economic boom is largely driven by adult participation. Historically a children’s holiday, Halloween has pivoted; now, nearly 50% of adults plan to dress up, and adult costume spending often outpaces that of children. It is a verified shift in American cultural behavior.
Key Highlights
- Total Impact: $11.6 billion to $13.1 billion estimated total spending.
- Per Person: Average shopper spends over $103.
- Growth Sector: Yard decorations (animatronics) are the fastest-growing category.
Top 2. The “Halloween Capital of the World”: Anoka, Minnesota
While many cities celebrate, only one is the federally recognized “Halloween Capital of the World.” That title belongs to Anoka, Minnesota. In 1920, civic leaders in Anoka organized the first-ever citywide Halloween celebration to divert youngsters from pulling pranks and causing trouble. The experiment was a massive success and has continued for over a century.
Top 10 America suggests that Anoka is the spiritual home of the modern American Halloween. It was here that the holiday transitioned from a night of mischief (“Gate Night”) into a structured community festival with parades and parties. The city was even officially recognized by Congress in a proclamation, cementing its status in history.
Today, the celebration in Anoka lasts the entire month of October. It features three separate parades, house decorating contests, and a “Gray Ghost” 5K run. It serves as a living time capsule, preserving the wholesome, community-focused origins of the holiday in the American Midwest.
Key Highlights
- Founded: First official citywide celebration in 1920.
- Title: “Halloween Capital of the World” (Congressional recognition).
- Origin Story: Created to stop local kids from tipping over outhouses and releasing cows.
Top 1. The Global Pumpkin Powerhouse: Illinois
The number one fact that surprises most Americans is the sheer dominance of Illinois in the pumpkin industry. The state is the undisputed global leader, harvesting over 650 million pounds of pumpkins annually. More specifically, the small town of Morton, Illinois is responsible for canning approximately 90-95% of the world’s pumpkin supply.
Top 10 America ranks this as the most significant fact because it touches every Thanksgiving and Halloween table in the country. If you have ever eaten a pumpkin pie or bought a can of pumpkin purée, it almost certainly came from the rich soils of central Illinois. The specific varietal grown here—the “Libby’s Select” processing pumpkin—is different from the bright orange carving pumpkins seen on porches.
This agricultural feat is made possible by the region’s unique soil composition and climate. While states like California and New York grow decorative pumpkins for carving, Illinois feeds the nation. It is the silent engine behind the flavor of American autumn.
Key Highlights
- Production: Illinois produces ~650 million pounds annually (40% of US total).
- The Hub: Morton, IL processes ~90% of the world’s canned pumpkin.
- Distinction: Specializes in “processing pumpkins” (pale skin, better flavor) vs. “ornamental.”
Conclusion
From the pumpkin-laden fields of Illinois to the record-breaking streets of Highwood and Keene, Halloween in the United States is a complex tapestry of agriculture, economics, and community spirit. The data shows us that while the costumes change every year, the underlying traditions—and the billions of dollars supporting them—are stronger than ever.
At Top 10 America, we see these rankings not just as trivia, but as proof of how deeply this holiday is woven into the American fabric. Whether you are one of the millions buying a pet costume or contributing to the candy corn statistics in the Midwest, you are part of this massive cultural phenomenon.
