U.S. Census Bureau Halloween Information

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released their annual information regarding Halloween.

Here are some of the items:

36.1 million
The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2006 — children 5 to 13 — across the United States, down 45,000 from 2005. Of course, many other children — older than 13, and younger than 5 — also go trick-or-treating.

26 pounds
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2006; it is believed a large portion is consumed around Halloween.

1 billion pounds
Total production of major pumpkin-producing states in 2006. Illinois led the country by producing 492 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania also provided lots of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-producing states was $101 million.

1,198
Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2005, employing 38,718 people and shipping $13.6 billion worth of goods. California led the nation in the number of chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 128, followed by Pennsylvania, with 121.

477
Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured non-chocolate confectionary products in 2005. These establishments employed 21,389 people and shipped $7.6 billion worth of goods that year. California also led the nation in this category, with 73 establishments.

26 pounds
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2006; it is believed a large portion is consumed around Halloween.

2,232
Number of costume rental and formal wear establishments across the nation in 2005.