If you’ve ever heard mysterious footsteps in your apartment or felt an unexplained chill run down your spine for seemingly no reason, it might not just be your imagination. 👀
With Halloween creeping closer, a new study has crowned New York as the most haunted state in America, and honestly…are we even surprised? With centuries-old brownstones, creaky taverns, and a history as deep as its subway tunnels, it seems the Empire State is just bursting with spirits.
Researchers at Casino.ca analyzed more than 1.8 million “Ghosts of America” records—a vast archive of paranormal stories spanning the past century—plus social media posts from TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and online forums.
They crunched the numbers by ghost sightings per capita and uncovered America’s most haunted corners. The results? Well, let’s just say your odds of running into a restless spirit are higher than you think.
Across the U.S., there are roughly 2,329 ghost sightings per 10,000 people; a haunting 23.29% chance of bumping into something from beyond. And we New Yorkers should break out the Ouija boards–with 81 sightings per 10,000 people, New York is America’s most haunted state.
Why ghosts love New York so much isn’t due to our bagels and pizza, though. Rather, we apparently offer the perfect environment! Data analyst Katt Rodrigues explains:
New York seems to have the perfect perfect mix of history and atmosphere to keep spirits lingering. It’s not entirely surprising given the state’s deep history and countless older buildings with stories of their own.
And they’re right. NYC alone has enough haunted landmarks to fill a ghost tour:
- The Wyckoff House Museum — the oldest surviving building in NYC (and in the entire state), dating back to 1652
- Fraunces Tavern — NYC’s oldest bar where George Washington once drank…and some say still does
- Old Homestead Steakhouse — America’s oldest steakhouse, serving spirits of all kinds since 1868
It’s no wonder the city never sleeps—what is it they say? No rest for the wicked?
If you’re brave enough to hunt down NYC’s lingering spirits, don’t miss our guide to the 20 most haunted places in New York City, from haunted hotels to eerie underground tunnels.
Or, if you prefer your ghosts with a side of theatrics, check out The Procession of the Ghouls, one of NYC’s most chilling Halloween spectacles.
Either way, remember: in New York, the witching hour never really ends. So the next time your lights flicker or you catch a cold breeze on a windless night, maybe say hi—you might have a roommate you didn’t even know about! 👻
👻 America’s Top 10 Most Haunted States
According to the report, these are the states where paranormal activity is off the charts:
- New York — 81 sightings per 10,000 people
- Texas — 77 sightings
- Louisiana — 74 sightings
- California — 72 sightings
- Utah — 65 sightings
- Florida — 64 sightings
- Pennsylvania — 62 sightings
- Alabama — 61 sightings
- Nevada — 60 sightings
- Washington — 57 sightings