Here are some recently released statistics about Halloween
(Provided by the U.S. Census Bureau 2007):
36.1 million
The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2006 — children 5
to 13 — across the United States, down 45,000 from 2005. Of course, many
other children — older than 13, and younger than 5 — also go
trick-or-treating.
109.6 million
Number of occupied housing units across the nation in 2006 — all
potential stops for trick-or-treaters.
93%
Percentage of households who consider their neighborhood safe. In
addition, 78 percent said they were not afraid to walk alone at night.
1 billion pounds
Total production of major pumpkin-producing states in 2006. Illinois led
the country by producing 492 million pounds of the vined orange gourd.
Pumpkin patches in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania also provided lots
of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value
of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-producing states was $101
million.
1,198
Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and
cocoa products in 2005, employing 38,718 people and shipping $13.6
billion worth of goods. California led the nation in the number of
chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 128, followed by
Pennsylvania, with 121.
477
Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured non-chocolate
confectionary products in 2005. These establishments employed 21,389
people and shipped $7.6 billion worth of goods that year. California
also led the nation in this category, with 73 establishments.
26 pounds
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2006; it is believed a
large portion is consumed around Halloween.
2,232
Number of costume rental and formal wear establishments across the
nation in 2005.