After hours of preparation spent putting together costumes and getting a game plan on the books, it’s finally time for every candy-loving kid’s favorite activity—trick or treating! Whether you are toting around a bump, baby or toddler this Halloween, trick-or-treating can prove challenging and knowing what you are in for makes all the difference.
A new study from Kuru —the makers of high-tech insoles and footwear—plots out what US states are best set up for your annual candy pilgrimage. To figure out the most ideal places to trick-or-treat, Kuru compared the 50 states across five key measures, including pedestrian safety, child population, walkability, the average weather the night of Halloween and Google search data for ‘Halloween,’ ‘Trick-or-Treating,’ and ‘Halloween candy’ to measure demand for the holiday. Here’s what the study found:
Best States for Trick-or-Treating in 2023
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- West Virginia
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
- Virginia
- Texas
- New Jersey
- New York
- Hawaii
- Massachusett
- Iowa
Utah, the reigning Halloween champion, takes the top spot with the highest population of people under 18, a low pedestrian fatality rate and mild temperatures around 70 expected on Halloween night. Meanwhile, runner-up Wisconsin had the highest number of Google searches for Halloween, Trick-or-Treating, and Halloween Candy in the US and a particularly high pedestrian safety rating.
Wyoming takes third place with its unique charm and safe neighborhoods, West Virginia comes in at fourth place, offering a perfect mix of safety and Halloween spirit and Idaho secures the fifth position with its high walkability scores and a bustling child population.
Of course, there are several aspects that go into making your night of trick-or-treating fantastic—and where you live is just one of them. Still don’t have a costume yet? Check out these 18 Frightfully Fun Mommy and Me Halloween Costumes or these Best Baby Halloween Costumes for Spooky Season .
