CB02-FF.16
October 17, 2002
Halloween 2002: Oct. 31
To mark the celebration of Halloween, the Census Bureau has culled from recently released data the following facts pertaining to this spooky observance.
"Trick or Treat!"
41.1 million
The number of potential "trick-or-treaters" -- 5- to 14-year-olds -- across the United States,
according to Census 2000. This number is greater than the "baby boom" children in this age
range counted in the 1970 census (40.7 million). California had the largest number of 5- to 14-year-olds in 2000 -- 5.3 million. In 1970, California had 3.9 million. Of course, many "kids"
older than 14 also dress up for the holiday.
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01cn67.html>
Jack-O'-Lanterns
831.2 million lbs.
Total U.S. pumpkin production in 2001. Illinois, with a production of 319 million pounds, led
the country. There also were big pumpkin patches in California (162 million lbs. of pumpkins produced), New York (134 million), Pennsylvania (99 million),
Ohio (59 million) and Michigan (58 million). The total value of all these pumpkins was $71
million. <http://www.usda.gov/nass/>
Where to Spend Halloween?
Some places around the country that may get you into the Halloween spirit include:
- Transylvania County, N.C., where Census 2000 counted 29,334 residents.
- Tombstone, Ariz., with a population of 1,504 in 2000.
- Pumpkin Center, N.C. (population 2,228 in 2000); and Pumpkin Bend township, Ark. (population 307).
- Cape Fear township (New Hanover Co.), N.C.; and Cape Fear township (Chatham Co.), N.C. (populations of 15,711 and 1,170, respectively).
- Skull Creek township, Neb., with a population of 297. <http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet>
Candy and Costumes
995
Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments in 2000 producing chocolate and cocoa products.
These manufacturers employed 43,234 people and shipped $11.7 billion worth of goods that
year. Pennsylvania and California led the nation in the number of chocolate/cocoa manufacturing
establishments, with 107 each.
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2002/cb02-76.html>
<http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/m00as-1.pdf>
600
Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured nonchocolate confectionary
products in 2000. These establishments employed 24,800 people and shipped $6.8
billion worth of goods that year. California led the nation, with 74
establishments.
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2002/cb02-76.html>
<http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/m00as-1.pdf>
$410 million
Value of U.S. imports of chocolate between January and July 2002; the bulk of this amount --
$266 million worth -- came from Canada. <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/>
$477 million
Value of U.S. imports of nonchocolate candy between January and July 2002; Canada was the
leading source ($148 million worth). <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/>
2,685
Number of formal wear and costume rental establishments across the nation in 2000.
<http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2002/cb02-76.html>
The preceding facts come from Census 2000, the 1970 census, U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, County Business Patterns, U.S. import and export trade reports and the Annual Survey of Manufactures. The data are subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Previous 2002 Census Bureau Facts for Features: African American History Month (February), Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), Women's History Month (March), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), Census Bureau Centennial (March 6), Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May), Older Americans Month (May), Mother's Day (May 12), Father's Day (June 16), the Fourth of July, 12th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26), Back to School (August), Labor Day (Sept. 2), Grandparents Day (Sept. 8) and Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). Questions or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau's Public Information Office: telephone
(301) 763-3030; fax (301) 457-3670; or e-mail <pio@census.gov>.
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