Top States for Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is popular in the U.S., where dressing up and enjoying treats is part of the fun. This beloved holiday has a price tag attached. The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend nearly $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, slightly more than last year. Candy accounts for an estimated $4.1 billion of that total. On average, each person spends about $115.14, with 96 percent planning to buy sweets.

Candy will fill jack-o’-lantern buckets and pillowcases, but trick-or-treaters find some states more rewarding. Spokeo analyzed data from multiple sources, including the National Retail Federation and Census data, to rank all 50 states on their trick-or-treat quality.

Factors Influencing Trick-or-Treat Success

Whether or not a successful candy haul seems a matter of luck, various factors are influential. Consider neighborhoods with many children and homes closely spaced. Homes with well-lit walkways enhance door-to-door access.

Spokeo’s Trick-or-Treat Index

Spokeo ranks states based on four key factors, using scores from 0 to 100, with top performers achieving 100. These scores are weighted and combined into a single index. The factors are:

• Households with children under 18: More demand for trick-or-treating arises in areas with numerous children. The index calculates percentages to ensure fairness. Census data from the 2020-2024 American Community Survey five-year estimates, Table B11005, provides the information.
• Housing density: More doors within walking distance offer more candy opportunities. Housing units per square mile in populated census tracts are measured, averaging within each state. Data includes Census survey Table B25001 and TIGER/Line tract geography.
• Single-family detached homes: Detached houses with front walkways are ideal for trick-or-treaters. The index measures the proportion of single-family homes relative to all housing units, seen in Table B25024 of the survey.
• Weather: Weather patterns, significant due to rain discouraging trick-or-treaters, are assessed. Data includes average temperatures and rain probability for Oct. 31, drawn from NOAA’s 1991-2020 daily climate normals.

Top Trick-or-Treat States

Location affects trick-or-treat success. Spokeo’s data reveals:

• Utah: Leading with 38% of households having children.
• Texas: Following Utah with 35% households with children.
• California: Ranking well for population of children, housing density, and favorable weather.
• Oklahoma: Ranking second for single-family homes at 73%.
• Mississippi: Ideal weather close to 60 degrees, suitable for costumes.

Idaho excels in single-family housing at 74% and ranks fourth for households with children, yet it falls outside the top five.

Limitations of the Index

No index perfectly captures Halloween’s essence. This index doesn’t consider factors like candy-giving frequency or street safety. It overlooks traffic concerns or organized trick-or-treat events.

Though data reflects state-level figures, variations exist between dense cities and sprawling suburbs. Nonetheless, the index indicates promising areas for Halloween: states with abundant children, close-knit neighborhoods, and dry weather.

Despite a low ranking, upcoming Halloween spending promises ample candy across the country.