As autumn settles in and the season of cobwebs, eerie décor and things that go bump in the night approaches, a new study from smart home technology company Vivint has identified the US cities most enthralled by haunted houses and all things supernatural.
Drawing on 2024–2025 Yelp and Google Trends data, the report ranks more than 80 American cities according to their haunted house offerings and online fascination with spooky experiences. The findings reveal which areas of the country are truly embracing Halloween, both in terms of physical attractions and digital interest.
Top Cities for Haunted Houses
According to the study, Enterprise, Nevada; Santa Ana, California; and Riverside, California are leading the nation as the best cities for haunted houses this year. The rankings take into account the number of haunted attractions per capita, overall popularity, and public engagement through search data.
Santa Ana, California stands out in particular, boasting the highest concentration of haunted houses per 100,000 residents. The study notes that the city has 226 times more haunted houses per capita than New York City, a statistic highlighting how regional enthusiasm for Halloween can vary dramatically across the United States.
A Mixed Picture Across the Country
While some cities appear to have embraced the spooky season wholeheartedly, others trail behind. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for example, comes in at #83 out of more than 80 ranked cities, suggesting relatively low activity in haunted house culture compared to other metropolitan areas.
Meanwhile, Cleveland, Ohio, distinguishes itself in a different category. According to Vivint’s data, the city leads the nation in online searches for haunted attractions—over 31,500 per 100,000 people. This indicates a particularly strong digital curiosity for the supernatural among residents, even if the number of physical attractions is less concentrated.
Haunted Houses Rated Highly in Fort Wayne
Beyond quantity and online interest, the quality of haunted attractions was also evaluated. Fort Wayne, Indiana, achieved the highest average haunted house rating in the nation, scoring 4.44 stars on Yelp. This places it above much larger urban centres and suggests that the city’s haunted venues are making a strong impression on visitors.
A Broader View of Seasonal Trends
Vivint’s analysis underscores how Halloween-related industries have grown into a significant seasonal business in the United States. From costume sales and themed events to home decorations and ticketed experiences, consumer enthusiasm for Halloween continues to expand each year.
The study’s use of both Yelp and Google Trends data reflects how modern behavioural insights—such as search patterns and online reviews—can illustrate local cultural engagement. These digital measures increasingly serve as valuable tools for brands seeking to understand consumer interests and regional differences.
Smart Homes and Seasonal Insights
Although Vivint is best known for its smart home and security technology, the company frequently publishes lifestyle research exploring the intersection of home life, culture and technology. By analysing data around popular traditions like Halloween, Vivint seeks to offer insights into how people interact with their environments and what drives their seasonal habits.
A spokesperson for the company said the study helps to “shine a light on how communities across the country celebrate one of America’s most beloved holidays, whether through large-scale haunted attractions, small neighbourhood events, or simply online curiosity.”
Regional Enthusiasm for the Macabre
The results also suggest that geography and culture continue to shape the American approach to Halloween. Western cities such as those in California and Nevada show an unusually high concentration of haunted attractions, while Midwestern cities like Fort Wayne excel in visitor satisfaction. On the East Coast, meanwhile, interest may be driven more by digital engagement than physical venues.
Whether residents are venturing into haunted houses or simply searching for them online, the study indicates that the appetite for fright is alive and well across the United States.
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