Summer is quickly turning to autumn here in Minnesota, which means that Halloween is approaching! It also means that, as the world's largest online-only Halloween costume company, we ask average Americans for their views on Halloween characters, spending, technology, and more. That's right, it's our annual survey! This year, we've included new questions about online shopping, social media, and AI—with some surprising results. You can read all about it in our 2024 Halloween in America survey results!
Where do you start your search for Halloween ideas?
- 20%: Online searches (e.g. Google/Bing)
- 17%: TikTok
- 16%: Facebook
- 15%: Instagram
- 12%: Friends or family
- 10%: YouTube
- 9%: Pinterest
- 1%: Recent movie/TV releases
How much do you usually spend per Halloween costume?
- 23%: $0-25
- 34%: $26-50
- 29%: $51-99
- 14%: $100+
Have you ever bought a Halloween costume online?
- 36%: Yes, and I will again this year
- 27%: Yes, but not this year
- 21%: No, I only buy in person/at a physical location
- 16%: No, but I might this year
Are there enough costumes for all body types?
- 67%: Yes
- 13%: No, needs more plus-size
- 10%: No, needs more of everything
- 8%: No, needs more adaptive
- 2%: No, needs more maternity
Are there any specific characters or themes you'd like to see more of in Halloween costumes?
- Freddie Krueger
- Anime
- Disney
- Ghosts
- Avengers
- Deadpool
What is most important about your costume?
- 38%: Quality
- 25%: Affordability
- 20%: Comfort/fit
- 9%: Uniqueness
- 5%: Accuracy
- 4%: Convenience/ease of purchase
How competitive are you with your Halloween decorations?
- 34%: I decorate moderately, but it's not a competition.
- 34%: I put up a few basic decorations.
- 18%: I go all out and aim to impress my neighbors.
- 14%: I don’t decorate
Have you used AI to help plan your Halloween?
- 45%: No
- 24%: Yes, for decor
- 17%: Yes, for costume planning
- 14%: Yes, for everything
Who is your favorite horror movie villain?
- 22%: Freddy Krueger
- 19%: Annie Wilkes
- 18%: Chucky
- 16%: Michael Myers
- 12%: Ghostface
- 7%: Jason Voorhees
- 4%: Regan MacNeil
- 3%: Samara
At what age do you let a child choose their costume theme/character?
- 14%: Not applicable
- 11%: Under 3 years old
- 29%: 3-4 years old
- 26%: 5-6 years old
- 21%: Over 6 years old
Do you wear costumes outside of Halloween?
(Select all that apply)
- 38%: No
- 38%: Yes, I cosplay/roleplay
- 30%: Yes, to events/festivals
- 24%: Yes, to parties
When do you take your Halloween decorations down?
- 15%: I don’t decorate
- 23%: November 1st
- 26%: Before Thanksgiving
- 14%: Before Christmas
- 14%: Whenever I get to it
- 8%: I leave them up all year
How do you typically choose where to buy your costumes or accessories?
- 54%: I shop around and buy what is cheaper or convenient
- 29%: I always buy the same brand
- 10%: I prefer well-known brands
- 7%: I buy from brands recommended by friends or family
Methodology: This survey was conducted for HalloweenCostumes.com through SurveyMonkey. The survey interviewed 1,027 U.S. adults of all ages on July 29-30, 2024.
Which questions surprised you? Which questions didn't? Let us know in the comments! Also let us know what we should ask in 2025. You may also enjoy the press release for this survey with some added commentary, or comparing the numbers with our 2023 survey. And don't forget to check out our expected top trending Halloween costumes of 2024!
