Halloween Facts & Figures
October 27, 2009
How much money will we spend on Halloween candy this year? Which state produces the most pumpkins? How many trick-or-treaters are there in the United States? We can answer these questions using a few key industry research sources, including library databases IBISWorld and Mintel, as well as the U.S. Census. Check these facts out: According to industry research firm IBISWorld:1
- Halloween sales are expected to reach a record-breaking $6 billion in 2009, up 4.2 percent from the $5.77 billion generated last year.
- The average person is estimated to spend about $22.50 on Halloween treats in 2009.
- 32 percent of people celebrating the holiday will either host or attend a party. For this reason, IBISWorld expects decorations to reach its highest level yet at $1.64 billion.
Furthermore, market research firm Mintel tells us that:
- 65% of Americans celebrate Halloween.2
- the Halloween holiday actually ranks 4th in sales of chocolate, behind Easter (1st), Christmas (2nd), and Valentine's Day (3rd). 3
Lastly, the U.S. Census provides us with their annual list of Halloween fun facts. How else would we know that:
- 1.1 billion pounds of pumpkins were produced by major pumpkin-producing states in 2008. (Illinois led the country by producing 496 million pounds).
- the per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2008 was 23.8 pounds.
- the estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2008 - children 5 to 13 - across the United States was 36 million. 4
The staff of the Bentley Library wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!