You may think the U.S. Census Bureau is made up of a bunch of boring number crunchers. However, the Bureau does get into the spirit of various holidays with their “Facts for Features.” Here’s a sampling of statistics you've alwasy wanted to know about Halloween, and never thought to ask. . .Trick or Treat—The Census Bureau estimates there are 41 million U.S. trick-or-treaters headed out to collect candy next Wednesday. (That’s the number of children aged 5 to 14). In Utah, roughly 500,000 trick-or-treaters will be hitting the streets.
Giving them Something Good to Eat—There were 115 million occupied housing units across the nation in 2011—all potential stops for Halloween-treat-hungry kids. In Utah, there are just fewer than 900,000 occupied housing units in 2011.
Jack-o’-Lanterns—Roughly 10.7 million pumpkins for fresh use were grown in the U.S. during 2011. (Sorry, there’s no Utah-specific counts available.)
Scary places to spend Halloween—Transylvania County, North Carolina (population 33,000); Tombstone, Arizona (population 1,400); Pumpkin Center, North Carolina (population 2,200); Cape Fear, North Carolina (population 18,400); and Skull Creek, Nebraska (population 270).
Treats—In the U.S. there were 1,920 worksites making sugar and confectionery products in 2011. These businesses employed 67,000 individuals. In Utah during 2011, 38 businesses produced “treats” employing roughly 800 workers.
Costumes—There were approximately 1,600 costume and formal-wear rental shops in the nation during 2010. (Data is not publishable for Utah.)
