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41.1 million kids trick-or-treat, and other Halloween facts

41.1 million kids trick-or-treat, and other Halloween facts
Posted at 9:17 AM, Sep 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-12 12:12:01-04

Nearly ever child age 5-14 in the United States participates in a Halloween trick-or-treat event.

That's according to the latest U.S. Census data that shows an estimated 41.1 million children in that age group seek treats on beggar's night.

History shows Halloween dates back 2,000 years to the Gaelic holiday Samhain. It's an ancient tradition associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. But today the October holiday involves more child-friendly activities, including pumpkin carving, corn mazes and costumes.

Other Halloween facts from the U.S. Census bureau:

• There are 118.8 million occupied housing units as of the first quarter of 2017 — all potential stops for trick-or-treaters.

• There were 66.6 million housing units where trick-or-treaters had to climb steps in 2015.

77.7 percent of U.S. households agreed their neighbors could be trusted in 2013.

• In 2015, the latest data available, the number of people employed by U.S. manufacturers that produced chocolate and cocoa products was 39,815.

The Census Bureau says the most likely occupations people dress up as for Halloween include:
• Registered nurses
• Physicians and surgeons
• Actors
• Police and sheriff's deputies
• Bailiffs and correctional officers
• Farmers and others in agriculture
• Firefighters
• Athletes and coaches
• Dentists
• Actors

Bobbing for apples this fall? The U.S. spends $935.5 million on fresh apple exports, according to the Census Bureau.