Halloween By The Numbers

Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires.

Today, Halloween is more of a pop culture event, with more children likely to be dressing up as their favorite super hero or cartoon character than a ghost.

But how many people consider their neighborhood safe for trick or treating, and how many potential trick-or-treaters will on the streets this Friday night? I have the numbers. And they will frighten you (if you're adverse to accounting practices).

41.2 million 

The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2013 — children age 5 to 14 — across the U.S. Of course, many other children — older than 14 and younger than 5 — also go trick-or-treating.

115 million
Number of occupied housing units across the nation in first quarter 2014 — all potential stops for trick-or-treaters.

93.3%
Percentage of households with residents who considered their neighborhood safe in 2011. In addition, 79.5 percent said there was no place within a mile of their homes where they would be afraid to walk alone at night.

1,333
Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2012, employing 37,150 employees. This industry's value of shipments totaled $14.4 billion, up slightly from $14.1 billion in 2007. 

439
Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced non-chocolate confectionary products, employing 19,141 employees. This industry's value of shipments totaled $8.0 billion in 2012.

Dressed to Thrill
A sampling of occupations that one may dress up as for a Halloween costume:

Where to Spend Halloween?

Some places around the country that may put you in the Halloween mood:

Tombstone, Ariz. (estimated population 1,338)

Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (estimated population 10,017)

Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (estimated population 6,920)

Transylvania County, N.C. (estimated population 32,903)

Scarville, Iowa (estimated population 71)

4,540
The number of motion picture theaters (except drive-ins) where one could possibly enjoy a horrorfest. California (519), Texas (297),New York (272) and Florida (213) had the most of such establishments. There were 225 drive-in motion picture theaters in 2012 — both Pennsylvania and Ohio tied for the most, with 22 in each state.

50,900
Acres of pumpkins harvested in the U.S. in 2013, with a total estimated production value of $149.9 million. Of the top six pumpkin-producing states, Illinois led the country by producing an estimated 547.6 million pounds of this vined gourd, followed by California,Ohio, Michigan, New York and then Pennsylvania. Pumpkins are frequently carved as decorations around Halloween.

$686 million 
The estimated construction spending on theme/amusement parks in 2013. Halloween events at theme/amusement parks can be frighteningly fun.

1,216
The number of costume rental and formal wear establishments; they had a total of 6,348 paid employees across the nation in 2012.

$1.1 billion
Dollar value of U.S. fresh apples exported in 2013. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $332 million worth. Whether bobbing for or dipping in caramel, apples can be a fun treat around Halloween.