18 frightening Halloween facts

This post comes from Len Penzo at partner blog Len Penzo dot Com.

I love Halloween. It's one of my favorite holidays -- and based upon its mass appeal, apparently I'm not alone.

In fact, even though the wicked economy continues to put a scare into most of us, it hasn't dampened our spirits when it comes to celebrating what was originally known as All Hallows' Eve.

So just how hot is Halloween? Well, it's so popular that it's downright spooky. To prove it, here are a few bone-chilling financial facts from the National Retail Federation -- along with some other horrendous Halloween trivia I dug up -- that I bet you've all been dying to know:

• The Halloween business is absolutely monstrous. Americans will spend $6.9 billion in 2011 on everything from candy and costumes to decorations. That's an increase of 16% from what consumers said they would spend last season.
• Here's another shocking survey finding: The average consumer intends to spend $72.31 on Halloween products this year. That's $6.03 more than last year.
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 41 million trick-or-treaters last year between the ages of 5 and 14. It's unknown how many cranky old people sat on their front porches screaming, "Get the heck off my lawn!"
• This year, seven in 10 Americans plan to celebrate Halloween. That's the highest level of participation in the survey's nine-year history. I assume the other three prefer gardening. Or giving trespassing kids the evil eye. Post continues after video.

• Then again, who says Halloween is just for kids? Believe it or not, in 2011 adults are collectively expected to spend $210 million more on Halloween costumes for themselves than their own little hobgoblins.
• Don't forget Fido: Americans also plan on spending $310 million to dress up their pets this year.
• With more than $2.5 billion being spent on Halloween costumes alone, it's no wonder there were 1,719 costume-rental establishments across America as of 2009.
• If you plan on attending a neighborhood Halloween party this year, you can reduce the chance of bumping into your sartorial doppelganger by avoiding one of the five most popular adult costumes in 2011: a witch, a pirate, a vampire, a zombie, and Batman.
• I'd be lying if I told you I'm glad the "vampy vixen" costume failed to crack the top five this year. It's currently ranked seventh. Maybe next year.
• Census data show that 92% of American households consider their neighborhoods safe. Yes, that includes the folks living in places like Tombstone, Ariz., and Cape Fear, N.C.
• Even so, that won't stop parents like me from checking the kids' Halloween candy for signs of tampering.
• If it will make you feel any better, there has been only one documented case since 1974 of a child being killed by a lethal Halloween treat -- and in that lone instance, the Grim Reaper turned out to be the father.
• Speaking of Halloween candy, the typical household is expected to spend $21.05 on Halloween candy this year.
• By the way, if you hate crowds, make sure you avoid the stores on Oct. 28. That day just so happens to be the biggest day of the year for candy sales.
• In all, Americans will spend more than $2 billion this year on candy to keep their neighborhood trick-or-treaters happy. Hopefully, they'll avoid the Halloween treats kids hate more than anything.
• Perhaps that large confection market is why, in 2009, the U.S. had 1,177 establishments producing chocolate and cocoa products, employing more than 34,000 people. Somewhat ironically, a lot of kids will tell you that many of the most popular Halloween treats don't involve chocolate at all.
• Still, if you insist on giving out chocolate this Halloween, you'll probably want to know that the four most popular candy varieties are Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat, and M&M's.
• Here's an eerie trick (.pdf file) for scaring up your favorite treats: Kit Kat lovers might be interested to know that they have a 37% better chance of scoring that crispy confection at a ranch-style home. And any self-respecting Reese's Peanut Butter Cup fan should realize they have a 26% greater chance of getting those tasty treats at two-story houses.

Then again, I usually avoid the hassle entirely by just buying -- and squirreling away -- an extra bag for myself. Just don't tell my kids.

More on Len Penzo dot Com and MSN Money:

• 10 unique Halloween treats kids love but rarely get
• My ketchup taste test upset
• 19 things your millionaire neighbor won't tell you
• How frightening is your credit score?
• How to beat rising holiday airfares
• Holiday tipping: When it's OK to skip