By the numbers: Halloween, Oct. 31, 2016
U.S. Census Bureau
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 childfriendly activities, such as costumes, trick-or- treating and carving pumpkins into jack-o’lanterns.
Trick or treat!
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. 78.7 percent The percentage of households that agreed their neighbors could be trusted in 2013.
Hauntingly delicious
37,128 The number of people employed by U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2014. This industry’s shipments totaled $16.0 billion, up from $15.2 billion in 2013. 17,815 The number of people employed by U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced nonchocolate confectionary products. This industry’s value of shipments totaled $8.2 billion in 2014. 3,217 The number of U.S. confectionary and
nut stores that sell candy and other confectionary products, employing 22,086 people in 2014.
Dressed to thrill
A sampling of occupations that one may dress up as for Halloween:
Occupation, followed by Number of Full-Time,Year-Round Employees
Athletes, coaches, umpires and related workers: 109,943
Bailiffs, correctional officers and jailers: 376,460 Dentists: 95,713 Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers: 478,065 Firefighters: 254,678 Police and sheriff’s patrol officers: 662,619
Registered nurses: 2,227,835
Places to spend Halloween
Some places around the country that may put you in the Halloween mood:
Tombstone, Ariz. (estimated population 1,312)
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (estimated population 10,242)
Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (estimated population 7,058)
Yellville, Ark. (estimated population 1,169)
Transylvania County, N.C.
(estimated population 33,211)
Slaughter Beach, Del. (estimated population 230)
Casper, Wyo. (estimated population 60,285)
Scarville, Iowa (estimated population 71)
Truth or Consequences, N.M. (estimated population 6,079)
Spooktacular
4,449 The number of motion picture theaters (except driveins) in the U.S. in 2014 where one could possibly enjoy a horror movie. California (511), Texas (326), New York (265) and Florida (195) had the most of such establishments. There were 219 drive-in motion picture theaters in 2014 — Ohio had 23, and California and Pennsylvania each had 19 drive-in motion picture theaters. 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 pumpkinproducing 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.
$1.04 Billion
The estimated construction spending on theme/amusement parks in 2015. Halloween events at theme/amusement parks can be frighteningly fun 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). 302 The number of broom, brush, and mop and casket manufacturing establishments (for the more authentic witches and vampires). Combined, these two industries employed 12,627 people and had a total value of shipments of $3.6 billion in 2012. $1.03 billion Dollar value of U.S. fresh apples exported in 2015. Whether bobbing for or dipping in caramel, apples can be a fun treat around Halloween.
Who you gonna call?
89.0 percent The percentage of households that had a cellular phone in 2011, compared with only 36.0 percent in 1998. The percentage of households with a cellular phone only (no landline) rose from less than 1.0 percent in 1998 to 28.0 percent in 2011.