The States That Spend the Most on Halloween Candy, Ranked
Halloween can be a costly occasion, and for many, the expenses associated with the holiday can be as daunting as the spooky decorations. From participating in seasonal activities like hayrides and festivals to selecting the perfect pumpkins for decoration, the costs can quickly add up. However, one of the most significant expenses for many families comes from purchasing candy to hand out during trick-or-treating. A recent analysis by Solitaired has ranked the states based on how much they spend on Halloween candy, revealing some interesting trends.
According to the findings, residents of the East Coast are among the highest spenders on Halloween candy. Maryland takes the lead, with an average expenditure of $67.95 per resident on candy. This substantial amount might be attributed to the state's affinity for providing quality treats, including full-size candy bars. Additionally, Maryland is home to Goetze's Candy Company, a well-known confectionery based in Baltimore that produces popular candies like Caramel Creams and Cow Tails.
Following closely behind is West Virginia, where residents spend an average of $61.32 on Halloween treats. The survey also highlighted West Virginia's generosity, noting that it ranked first in the nation for the likelihood of residents participating in trick-or-treating and distributing full-size candy bars. A significant 88% of West Virginians reported plans to hand out candy this Halloween.
Pennsylvania secured the third position, with an average candy expenditure of $59.35 per resident. The state's rich history with candy may explain its high spending, as it houses the headquarters of the Hershey Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This region is also famous for Hersheypark, an amusement park themed around chocolate. Additionally, the state is home to Just Born, known for iconic candy brands such as Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, and Peeps marshmallows.
Other states that made the top ten list include Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan also featured prominently, showcasing a diverse range of states contributing to Halloween candy expenditures.
The complete list of the ten states with the highest average spending on Halloween candy per resident is as follows:
- Maryland: $67.95
- West Virginia: $61.32
- Pennsylvania: $59.35
- Mississippi: $59.32
- Indiana: $59.14
- Illinois: $58.12
- Michigan: $57.78
- Texas: $56.88
- Oklahoma: $56.78
- Louisiana: $55.85
When comparing these state expenditures to the national average, which stands at approximately $49.19 per person for Halloween candy, it becomes clear that many states are willing to spend significantly more. For context, South Carolina's average candy expenditure is slightly lower at $48.93 per resident.
For trick-or-treaters, the amount spent by residents may not matter as long as there are plenty of sweet treats available when they come knocking. Encouragingly, about 79% of Americans typically participate in handing out candy each year, with an expectation of around 42 trick-or-treaters visiting their homes.
While it can be costly to provide candy for all those little ghosts and goblins, many residents still prioritize offering high-quality treats. According to the survey, around 55% of respondents expressed a desire to be recognized as a "good candy house" during Halloween, indicating that the spirit of the holiday often outweighs the financial burden.