Posted by Andrea Durway
Halloween by the Numbers: St. Louis Edition
Halloween in St. Louis has its quirks. From historic haunts like the Lemp Mansion to neighborhoods lit up with pumpkins and porch lights. And of course, there’s our local tradition of trick-or-treaters telling jokes to earn their candy (though some are glad this custom is fading). Here’s a look at how much we’re spending, how we celebrate, and why our city stands out.
Spooky Spending Adds Up
- Americans are projected to spend a record $13.1 billion on Halloween this year, averaging about $114 per person.
- Candy makes up nearly $4 billion of that, with costumes and decorations not far behind.
- In Missouri, households tend to spend a little less than the national average — but with our love of neighborhood block parties and decked-out porches, St. Louisans more than hold their own when it comes to spooky spirit.
Local Candy Favorites
- When it comes to Halloween night in St. Louis, you’ll see plenty of Snickers, Reese’s, and M&Ms in the mix — all among Missouri’s top-selling treats.
- Trick-or-treaters in neighborhoods like Webster Groves, Kirkwood, and Lafayette Square are known to score full-size bars from generous neighbors.
- Fun fact: Missouri ranks high for candy corn sales, though it’s definitely a love-it-or-hate-it tradition.
Haunted St. Louis
Our city has no shortage of real-life haunted stories:
- The Lemp Mansion in Benton Park is regularly named one of the most haunted houses in America, drawing ghost tours year-round.
- The Darkness in Soulard, open since 1994, is considered one of the scariest commercial haunted houses in the country — and it’s right here in our backyard.
- The old Jefferson Barracks grounds and parts of the Cherokee Street Antique District also have ghostly reputations.
For those who love a fright, St. Louis is truly a Halloween destination.
Neighborhood Traditions
- Many St. Louis neighborhoods lean into Halloween with community-wide decorating contests and kid-friendly trick-or-treat events.
- Some of the most decorated Halloween neighborhoods in St. Louis are Holly Hills, Soulard, Webster Groves, and Boulevard Heights. In places like Shaw, South City, and St. Charles, whole blocks light up with carved pumpkins, cobwebs, and glowing skeletons.
- Homeowners here spend $30–$50 on Halloween décor on average, with many going over $100 for elaborate yard displays — inflatables, animatronics, and spooky lighting are especially popular.
A Community Affair
- Halloween is more than just a night of candy. It’s a celebration of neighborhoods. Whether it’s porch lights glowing in Dogtown, hayrides in Wildwood, or costume parades in Maplewood, St. Louisans put their own spin on spooky season.
- For homeowners, it’s also a reminder that a well-lit, welcoming yard does more than charm trick-or-treaters. It boosts curb appeal too.
Final Treat
From ghost stories at the Lemp Mansion to front-porch pumpkins in every suburb, Halloween in St. Louis is as much about community as it is about candy. Whether you’re budgeting $20 for treats or $200 for an epic yard display, remember: this holiday is one more way we make our houses feel like home.
