The map shows the most popular Halloween costumes in each state

Halloween is fast approaching, and Americans across the country are preparing to celebrate with candy, spooky decorations, and, of course, costumes.

But which costume reigns supreme in each state? A recent study by the National Retail Federation (NRF) revealed rankings based on search data by state.

Halloween, celebrated on October 31, has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to repel ghosts. Over time, it merged with Christian traditions such as All Hallows’ Eve. Today, Halloween includes trick-or-treating, costume parties, and pumpkin carving as popular traditions.

Halloween classics top the list, and in the adult category, witches are the most popular costumes, according to an NRF survey that revealed Spider-Man costumes topping the list this year. For pets, the most popular costume will be pumpkins.

A 2022 study by U.S. News & World Report ranked the most popular costumes by state, with several clear favorites emerging. The study used search data to determine the most frequently searched for Halloween costumes by state.

The top three costumes are:

1. Witch
2. Spider-Man
3. Dinosaur

Other popular costumes included fairies, pirates and rabbits.

Below is a map showing this year’s most popular Halloween costumes by state.

Halloween spending is expected to decline this year, with Americans planning to spend about $11.6 billion on the holiday, down from a record $12.2 billion last year, according to the NRF.

Spending on costumes and decorations remain the two most important categories, although both are showing slight declines. Costume spending is projected to fall from $4.1 billion in 2023 to $3.8 billion this year, and set costs are projected to fall from $3.9 billion to $3.8 billion.

Despite the overall decline, consumers are starting their Halloween shopping earlier, with nearly half making purchases by the end of September.

According to research by Statista, consumers were expected to spend approximately $11.6 billion on Halloween in 2024, a slight decline from the $12.2 billion spent the previous year. Average spending per person was projected to decline by almost $5.

Shoppers were expected to spend nearly $4 billion on costumes and $3.5 billion on candy. Despite reduced spending, more than 70 percent of Americans planned to celebrate Halloween by attending events such as themed parties or trick-or-treating.

While classic Halloween costumes like witches and Spider-Man consistently top the popularity charts year after year, in recent years pop culture enthusiasts have allowed their costumes to be inspired by viral social media moments.

Recently, Hailey Welch, aka the “Hawk Tuah” girl, released her officially licensed Halloween costume on Spirit Halloween, turning one of the most popular social media moments of the year into a fun Halloween costume.

Other pop culture-inspired Halloween costumes we’re likely to see this year include: Taylor Swift, MeanSabrina Carpenter and Moo Deng.

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