As Halloween approaches, thoughts naturally turn to all things spooky. But while most of us are content with plastic skeletons and fake cobwebs, in some American cities there’s no need to dress up for the season. It really is haunted all year round.
With ghost tours booming and paranormal investigation becoming mainstream entertainment, CryptoCasino wanted to find out which U.S. cities have the most chilling reputations. This comprehensive online platform known for reviewing cryptocurrency and Bitcoin-based casino sites has decided to branch out into decidedly different territory by investigating America’s most haunted destinations.
The study looked at ghost sightings, haunted locations, the popularity of Google searches for paranormal terms, and the presence of paranormal societies in 20 American cities. Each city received a weighted haunting score out of 100, combining these factors to determine where paranormal activity is most at home.
Table: Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the United States
Note: Ghost sightings are the most common at 60%, followed by haunted locations at 25% and paranormal societies at 15%, creating a comprehensive picture of each city’s haunted reputation.
The creepiest city revealed
1. Austin, Texas (68.06)
Texas’ capital city dominates the paranormal scene with a staggering 115 ghost sightings, nearly three times as many as any other city in the top five. This impressive number has propelled Austin to the top of America’s haunted hierarchy, despite having only three haunted locations.
The city’s reputation for “weirdness” apparently extends beyond its eccentric culture into the realm of the paranormal, with spirits seemingly drawn to Austin’s eclectic atmosphere just as much as the living residents who flock to the city.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada (37.42)
Sin City came in second with 30 ghost sightings and 7 haunted locations, proving that what happens in Las Vegas isn’t always buried. The city’s Google search index of 2,320 indicates significant public interest in its supernatural aspects, perhaps fueled by countless stories of gamblers who never left the casino floor.
With its 24/7 energy and dramatic fortunes won and lost, Las Vegas provides the perfect backdrop for restless spirits.
3. Orlando, Florida (37.08)
This theme park hub took an incredible third place with 22 haunted locations, despite only having 13 recorded ghost sightings. This suggests that Orlando’s supernatural residents prefer to stick to specific locations rather than wandering the streets.
With centuries of history that pre-dates Disney, the city has amassed a wealth of ghostly stories that now compete with Mouse Ears for visitors’ attention.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana (34.23)
Perhaps surprisingly, the Big Easy ranks fourth despite its legendary reputation for voodoo, above-ground cemeteries, and supernatural tourism. New Orleans has recorded 26 ghost sightings and 17 haunted locations, with the highest Google search interest of 4,570.
The city’s low ranking shows how competitive America’s haunted landscape has become, as even places synonymous with ghosts face stiff competition.
5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (33.95)
This historic battlefield town rounds out the top five with 44 ghost sightings and six haunted locations. Gettysburg’s Google search index of 2,300 reflects ongoing public interest in its Civil War history, where thousands of soldiers lost their lives in three days of brutal fighting.
The town’s supernatural reputation is deeply rooted in historical tragedy, creating a haunted legacy that continues to attract paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Why America’s ghost cities capture our imaginations
A good ghost story has an alluring appeal, and these cities have turned their spooky reputation into a major draw for tourists. Austin’s live music scene is currently competing for attention with its ghostly residents, while Las Vegas casinos are sharing space with ghostly gamblers who apparently didn’t get the closing time memo.
Ghost tours populate the streets of these destinations every night, with visitors eager for truly spine-chilling experiences rather than theme park-like rides.
From the echoes of Gettysburg’s battlefield to the voodoo legends of New Orleans, these places offer authentic shivers you can’t create on your own. They understood that sometimes the best attractions are the ones you can’t see but can never shake off.
