As autumn leaves tumble and nights stretch longer, a palpable sense of eeriness begins to envelop the land. It’s the perfect season for those who seek thrills and chills to explore the most haunted states in America. Across the nation, there are locales steeped in mystique, brimming with tales of ghost sightings, paranormal activities, and ancient burial grounds.
A detailed study from BonusFinder has sliced and diced metrics like graveyards, paranormal activity, and reported ghost sightings to reveal the most haunted states in America.
So, if you’re holding onto the belief that your home state is spook-free, prepare for a reality check.
Here are America’s most haunted states, ranked from the least haunted to the most.
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10. Iowa (7.1 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 4,905
Ghost Sightings: 1,051
Haunted Locations: 206
Paranormal Investigators: 19
In 10th place, Iowa records over 1,000 ghost sightings and harbors 206 haunted locations per 100,000 people. Notable among these is the Villisca Axe Murder House, infamous for an unsolved murder case from 1912. The state has 19 paranormal investigators, tying with Kentucky in this regard.
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9. Montana (7.3 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 890
Ghost Sightings: 390
Haunted Locations: 139
Paranormal Investigators: 6
Despite having fewer cemeteries than other states, Montana ranks as the ninth most haunted, backed by 139 haunted locations like the infamous Dumas Brothel. With only six paranormal investigators, the state has much left to explore.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
8. Kentucky (7.5 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 18,589
Ghost Sightings: 1,251
Haunted Locations: 410
Paranormal Investigators: 19
Kentucky stands out for its 18,589 cemeteries, and the Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a major contributor to its 410 haunted locales. The state has 19 paranormal investigators, equalling Iowa’s count.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
7. West Virginia (7.6 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 8,207
Ghost Sightings: 608
Haunted Locations: 154
Paranormal Investigators: 7
With haunted sites like the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia secures the seventh spot. The state reports 608 ghost sightings per 100,000 people.
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6. South Dakota (8.4 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 1,868
Ghost Sightings: 426
Haunted Locations: 88
Paranormal Investigators: 8
Known for Mount Moriah Cemetery, South Dakota ranks sixth. It reports slightly more ghost sightings and haunted locations than its northern counterpart.
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5. North Dakota (8.5 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 2,165
Ghost Sightings: 409
Haunted Locations: 62
Paranormal Investigators: 7
Fifth on the list, North Dakota is known for its San Haven Sanatorium and Liberty Memorial Building, contributing to its 62 haunted places.
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=3. Vermont (8.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 1,667
Ghost Sightings: 240
Haunted Locations: 90
Paranormal Investigators: 6
Sharing the third spot with Florida, Vermont is renowned for the Bennington Triangle, an area linked to mysterious disappearances. The state reports 240 ghost sightings per 100,000 people.
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3. Florida (8.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 3,463
Ghost Sightings: 1,785
Haunted Locations: 601
Paranormal Investigators: 37
Florida also ranks third, with haunted sites like The Devil Tree and Cassadaga, the “Psychic Capital of the World,” bolstering its 601 haunted locations.
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2. Maine (9.0 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 4,120
Ghost Sightings: 800
Haunted Locations: 168
Paranormal Investigators: 12
Second on the list, Maine is known for legends like the Wood Island Lighthouse keeper and the White Lady of Bar Harbor. The state has 12 paranormal investigators.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
1. Texas (9.8 out of 10)
Cemeteries: 13,710
Ghost Sightings: 7,517
Haunted Locations: 925
Paranormal Investigators: 158
Topping the list, Texas boasts the most haunted locations and the highest number of ghost sightings per 100,000 people. The iconic Alamo adds to the state’s haunted reputation.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
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