Halloween: October 31, 2026
Halloween is a festive celebration characterized by activities like carving pumpkins and donning masks and costumes to trick-or-treat. Some trace the spooky tradition to the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. When large numbers of Irish and other immigrants came to the United States beginning in the mid-19th century, they brought their Halloween customs with them. In the 20th century, Halloween, celebrated October 31 (the night before All Saints’ or All Hallows’ Day), became a favorite pastime, especially among kids.
The following facts are possible thanks to the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we measure America’s people, places and economy.
Trick or Treat!
132.7 million
The number of occupied U.S. housing units — potential stops for trick-or-treaters — in 2024.
Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates
72.0 million
The estimated number of U.S. children under the age of 18 (read: potential trick-or-treaters) as of July 1, 2025.
Source: Vintage 2025 population estimates
56.6 million
The number of occupied U.S. housing units with steps that trick-or-treaters had to climb to collect their treats — or tricks — in 2023.
Source: 2023 American Housing Survey
Spooky-Sounding Places
Source: City and Town Population Totals 2020-2025*
- Devils Lake, N.D. (2025 population: 7,333).
- Seven Devils Town, N.C. (2025 population: 314).
- Slaughter Beach, Del. (2025 population: 255).
- Spirit, Wisc. (2025 population: 303).
- Spirit Lake, Idaho (2025 population: 2,485).
- Slaughters City, Ky. (2025 population: 191).
- Sleepy Hollow, I (2025 population: 3,122).
- Dead Lake Township, Minn. (2025 population: 534).
- Truth or Consequences, N.M. (2025 population: 5,949).
- Yellville, Ark. (2025 population: 1,095).
* More information is available on the City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2025
Editor’s note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error.
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