The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires.
Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, Halloween is celebrated many different ways, including wearing costumes, children trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins and visiting haunted houses and parties.
The U.S. Census Bureau collected data about the day.
Trick-or-treat!
41 million
The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2010 — children 5 to 14 — across the United States. Of course, many other children older than 14 and younger than 5 also trick-or-treat.
116.7 million
Number of occupied housing units across the nation in 2010, all potential stops for trick-or-treaters.
92 percent
Percentage of households with residents who consider their neighborhood safe. In addition, 78 percent said there was no place within a mile of their homes where they would be afraid to walk alone at night.
Jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkin pies
1.1 billion pounds
Pumpkin production by major pumpkin-producing states in 2010. Illinois produced an estimated 427 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. California, New York and Ohio were also major pumpkin-producing states, each with an estimate of more than 100 million pounds.
Where to spend Halloween?
Some places around the country that may put you in the Halloween mood are:
• Transylvania County, N.C. (population 33,090)
• Tombstone, Ariz. (population 1,380)
• Pumpkin Center, N.C. (population 2,222), and Pumpkin Bend, Ark. (population 276)
• Cape Fear in New Hanover County, N.C. (population 18,388), and Cape Fear in Chatham County, N.C.
• Skull Creek, Neb. (population 271)
Candy and costumes
1,177
Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2009, employing 34,252 people. California led the nation in the number of chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 135, followed by Pennsylvania, with 111.
409
Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured non-chocolate confectionary products in 2009. These establishments employed 16,974 people. California led the nation in this category, with 45 establishments.
24.7 pounds
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2010.
1,719
Number of costume rental and formal wear establishments across the nation in 2009.