The Best States for Trick-Or-Treating in 2025
For kids, Halloween is pure magic. It’s one of the most exciting nights of the year—a time to transform into astronauts, witches, or superheroes and head into the night on a mission: fill the bag with as much candy as possible.
The tradition of trick-or-treating brings families out into their neighborhoods, lighting up sidewalks with laughter, costumes, and the crunch of fallen leaves. It's a chance for kids to soak up every sweet moment, while adults do their best to keep up.
Of course, all that walking can come with a few spooky side effects, such as aching feet and the challenge of staying safe on dimly lit streets. That’s why a great trick-or-treating experience depends on more than just costumes and candy. The environment around you matters, too.
So, we looked at all 50 states and ranked them based on five key factors, from pedestrian safety to average temperatures on Halloween night. Which states came out on top? Let’s take a closer look.
Uncovering the Top U.S. States for Trick-Or-Treating
Our rankings are based on five data points that reflect both fun and safety. We factored in things like walkability, pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, and the percentage of children in each state, along with Halloween weather and Google search trends data.
Put it all together, and you get a well-rounded look at which states offer the best setup for a safe, spirited night of trick-or-treating.
1. Illinois
- Walkability Score: 77/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 1.67 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 21.2%
- Expected Forecast: 51°F
Illinois claims the top spot thanks to its unbeatable walkability, leading the list with a Walk Score of 77. Families here enjoy crisp Halloween nights averaging 51°F and a steady search interest in trick-or-treating. But Illinois also reports the highest pedestrian death rate in the top 10, making caution from both drivers and trick-or-treaters essential for a safe night.
2. Ohio
- Walkability Score: 41/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 1.08 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 21.7%
- Expected Forecast: 50°F
High search interest in trick-or-treating puts Ohio near the top for Halloween spirit, signaling plenty of excitement across the state. More than one in five residents is under 18, keeping neighborhoods lively on Halloween night. Add in a relatively low pedestrian death rate, and Ohio balances energy with safety.
3. Wisconsin
- Walkability Score: 62/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 0.92 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 20.8%
- Expected Forecast: 47°F
Safety takes center stage in Wisconsin, which reports one of the lowest pedestrian death rates in the top 10. Its Walk Score of 62 puts it in the “somewhat walkable” range, meaning many neighborhoods are manageable on foot. With a sizable child population and a predicted temperature of 47°F, Wisconsin offers a safe, lively, and distinctly autumn Halloween.
4. Indiana
- Walkability Score: 38/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 1.46 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 22.9%
- Expected Forecast: 51°F
Indiana has the second-largest child population in the top 10, with nearly 23% of residents under 18. High search interest shows families are eager to celebrate, and an average Halloween temperature of 51°F keeps the evening comfortable. Together, these factors make Indiana a welcoming place for trick-or-treaters.
5. Utah
- Walkability Score: 59/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 1.31 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 26.6%
- Expected Forecast: 49°F
The highest share of children in the rankings belongs to Utah, where 26.6% of residents are under 18. Its Walk Score of 59 puts it in the “somewhat walkable” category, supporting door-to-door candy runs. Average Halloween temps hover around 49°F, giving Utah families a crisp and classic October night.
6. Pennsylvania
- Walkability Score: 75/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 1.41 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 20.1%
- Expected Forecast: 54°F
History-rich neighborhoods pair with convenience in Pennsylvania, which earns a Walk Score of 75—second only to Illinois. It also takes the prize for warmest Halloween nights in the top 10, averaging 54°F. With safe, walkable streets and comfortable weather, it’s a welcoming state for families.
7. Iowa
- Walkability Score: 45/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 0.99 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 22.5%
- Expected Forecast: 47°F
With a Walk Score of 45, Iowa falls into the “car-dependent” range, yet Halloween night is far from quiet. A large child population means sidewalks fill quickly, and the state’s low pedestrian death rate suggests that families and drivers alike are cautious. That balance helps Iowa deliver a spirited but safe Halloween experience.
8. New Hampshire
- Walkability Score: 51/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 0.85 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 17.7%
- Expected Forecast: 46°F
Enthusiasm runs highest in New Hampshire, topping all states in Google search interest with a perfect score of 100. It’s also the safest state in the top 10, with the lowest pedestrian death rate. Halloween here runs chilly at 46°F, but the combination of spirit and safety makes it one of the best places to go trick-or-treat.
9. Michigan
- Walkability Score: 51/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 1.51 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 20.8%
- Expected Forecast: 49°F
Michigan brings plenty of Halloween spirit, with strong search interest and 20.8% of its population under 18. Average Halloween temps hover at 49°F, giving families a crisp backdrop for candy runs. Yet safety remains a concern: Michigan has the second-highest pedestrian death rate in the top 10, a reminder that extra care on the streets is just as important as costumes and candy.
10. Minnesota
- Walkability Score: 71/100
- Pedestrian Death Rate: 0.97 per 100k people
- Youth Population: 22.4%
- Expected Forecast: 43°F
Minnesota claims the coldest Halloween in the top 10, averaging just 43°F. Despite the chill, families benefit from a strong Walk Score, which makes covering ground easier. Add in a low pedestrian death rate and a sizable youth population, and it’s clear Minnesotans won’t let cold air dampen their Halloween spirit.
Trick-Or-Treating Across America: The Full 50-State Ranking
We’ve already highlighted the top 10, but the story doesn’t stop there. After looking at the list, one thing stands out: the Midwest. Six states from the region claimed top spots, and most also scored the highest in Google Trends data, showing just how much enthusiasm the heartland has for Halloween.
To see how every corner of the country measures up, we reviewed the data for all 50 states and created a full ranking of the best states for Halloween. Curious where your state lands?
| State | Ranking | Score (Out of 100) | Average State Walk Score | Google Trends Search Data | Population Percentage Under 18 | Pedestrian Deaths per 100K People | Average Halloween Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 | 60 | 77 | 69 | 21.2% | 1.67 | 51° |
| Ohio | 2 | 58 | 41 | 90 | 21.7% | 1.08 | 50° |
| Wisconsin | 3 | 57 | 62 | 70 | 20.8% | 0.92 | 47° |
| Indiana | 4 | 57 | 38 | 88 | 22.9% | 1.46 | 51° |
| Utah | 5 | 56 | 59 | 22 | 26.6% | 1.31 | 49° |
| Pennsylvania | 6 | 55 | 75 | 51 | 20.1% | 1.41 | 54° |
| Iowa | 7 | 54 | 45 | 67 | 22.5% | 0.99 | 47° |
| New Hampshire | 8 | 54 | 51 | 100 | 17.7% | 0.85 | 46° |
| Michigan | 9 | 52 | 51 | 74 | 20.8% | 1.51 | 49° |
| Minnesota | 10 | 51 | 71 | 28 | 22.4% | 0.97 | 43° |
| Massachusetts | 11 | 51 | 83 | 32 | 19.0% | 1.09 | 51° |
| New York | 12 | 50 | 88 | 19 | 20.0% | 1.55 | 53° |
| Hawaii | 13 | 50 | 66 | 24 | 20.3% | 2.63 | 80° |
| Nebraska | 14 | 50 | 48 | 27 | 24.1% | 0.9 | 48° |
| New Jersey | 15 | 49 | 82 | 26 | 21.5% | 2.35 | 53° |
| West Virginia | 16 | 49 | 33 | 92 | 19.7% | 1.69 | 52° |
| Louisiana | 17 | 48 | 58 | 35 | 23.2% | 3.31 | 68° |
| California | 18 | 48 | 69 | 21 | 21.3% | 2.35 | 65° |
| Kentucky | 19 | 46 | 34 | 60 | 22.4% | 2.14 | 56° |
| Texas | 20 | 46 | 41 | 20 | 24.5% | 2.45 | 67° |
| Washington | 21 | 46 | 74 | 25 | 20.8% | 2.00 | 51° |
| Idaho | 22 | 46 | 38 | 26 | 23.4% | 0.70 | 48° |
| Rhode Island | 23 | 45 | 76 | 20 | 18.4% | 1.08 | 51° |
| Maryland | 24 | 44 | 64 | 29 | 21.9% | 2.63 | 55° |
| North Dakota | 25 | 44 | 45 | 22 | 23.3% | 0.63 | 39° |
| South Dakota | 26 | 43 | 39 | 20 | 23.9% | 0.97 | 44° |
| Kansas | 27 | 42 | 35 | 25 | 23.3% | 1.58 | 55° |
| Oklahoma | 28 | 42 | 34 | 35 | 23.6% | 2.25 | 56° |
| Connecticut | 29 | 42 | 66 | 19 | 19.8% | 1.63 | 52° |
| Georgia | 30 | 42 | 48 | 24 | 22.7% | 2.5 | 59° |
| Delaware | 31 | 41 | 74 | 37 | 20.3% | 3.23 | 52° |
| Virginia | 32 | 41 | 33 | 35 | 21.4% | 1.43 | 56° |
| Missouri | 33 | 40 | 51 | 26 | 22.0% | 2.27 | 52° |
| Maine | 34 | 39 | 62 | 30 | 17.6% | 1.00 | 46° |
| Oregon | 35 | 39 | 67 | 27 | 19.3% | 2.32 | 52° |
| Wyoming | 36 | 39 | 36 | 26 | 21.8% | 0.85 | 43° |
| Colorado | 37 | 39 | 61 | 26 | 20.4% | 2.06 | 46° |
| Arkansas | 38 | 38 | 33 | 25 | 22.7% | 2.14 | 57° |
| Tennessee | 39 | 37 | 33 | 30 | 21.9% | 2.39 | 59° |
| Alabama | 40 | 37 | 34 | 28 | 22.0% | 2.35 | 58° |
| Montana | 41 | 35 | 35 | 25 | 20.5% | 0.88 | 43° |
| Arizona | 42 | 35 | 41 | 25 | 20.9% | 3.60 | 72° |
| South Carolina | 43 | 35 | 35 | 28 | 21.0% | 2.88 | 64° |
| Florida | 44 | 35 | 47 | 24 | 19.3% | 3.05 | 68° |
| Nevada | 45 | 34 | 42 | 29 | 21.1% | 3.46 | 64° |
| North Carolina | 46 | 32 | 26 | 28 | 21.4% | 2.53 | 57° |
| Mississippi | 47 | 31 | 26 | 29 | 22.9% | 3.53 | 60° |
| Vermont | 48 | 31 | 44 | 20 | 17.4% | 0.93 | 45° |
| Alaska | 49 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 23.6% | 2.03 | 29° |
| New Mexico | 50 | 24 | 43 | 24 | 21.0% | 4.41 | 53° |
Trick-Or-Treating Safety Tips for Families and Drivers
Aside from dressing warmly and wearing supportive shoes for all those steps, it helps to keep safety top of mind. Here are a few trusted tips from the National Safety Council to help make Halloween night the best it can be:
- Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult while trick-or-treating.
- If older kids head out on their own, review their route in advance and agree on a time for them to return home.
- Drivers should be extra cautious at twilight and later in the evening, when costumes in dark colors can be harder to see.
- Watch for children walking along streets, medians, and curbs. Motorists should enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly.
- Remind kids to travel in familiar, well-lit neighborhoods and to stay with their group of friends.
- Ask children to wait until they’re home before eating candy, and be mindful of food allergies when sorting through the haul.
Methodology and Sources
Methodology
To find this year's top states for trick-or-treating, we analyzed five key factors and built a scoring system out of 100 possible points. Each factor was weighted equally at 20 points.
Walkability: Based on each state’s Walk Score. Higher scores indicate denser, more pedestrian-friendly environments that improve trick-or-treating conditions.
Google Search Interest in Halloween: Google Trends values (0–100 per state) were used as a proxy for Halloween enthusiasm in 2025, covering searches for “trick-or-treating.” States with higher search intensity scored better.
Child Population: Calculated as the percentage of each state’s population under 18. A larger share of children reflects a stronger demand for trick-or-treating.
Pedestrian Safety: Measured by pedestrian fatality rates per 100,000 people. States with lower rates earned higher scores, reflecting safer walking environments for families.
Average Halloween Temperature: Determined using the average October 31 high temperature for the largest city in each state. States with warmer averages scored higher.
Sources
- City and Neighborhood Walkability Rankings. Walk Score (2025)
- Google Trends Data (October 30–November 1, 2024)
- Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data (January–June). Governors Highway Safety Association (March 2025).
- Simple Steps for an Extra Safe Halloween. National Safety Council (2025)
- State Population by Characteristics: 2020-2024. U.S. Census Bureau (June 2025)
- U.S. Climate Normals. NOAA/NCEI (2025)
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