Detroit Ranked One Of The Worst Cities In The U.S. For Halloween
Halloween’s a week away and WalletHub released the list of best and worst cities for Halloween in the America, and Detroit ranked as one of the worst cities for Halloween in the U.S.. Halloween is big business as it’s expected that on average every American house will spend $108.24 this year and $12.2 billion collectively.
There were three main key dimensions that WalletHub measured in order to rank their list ranking the 100 largest cities across the country. Here are those dimensions and how they break down:
- Trick-or-Treat friendliness (60 total points)
- Potential Trick-or-Treaters (11.43 points)
- Potential Trick-or-Treat Stops (2.86 points)
- Population Density (11.43 points)
- Walk Score (11.43 points)
- Crime Rate (11.43 points)
- Vehicle Crash Related Pedestrian Fatality Rate (5.71 points)
- Perception of Safety (Safety walking alone during daylight/night) (5.71 points)
- Halloween Fun (30 total points)
- Google Search Index for Halloween Parties 2.61 points)
- Halloween Costume Store per Capita (5.22 points)
- Halloween Party Supply Stores per Capita (5.22 points)
- Candy & Chocolate Stores per Capita (2.61 points)
- Haunted Houses per Capita (2.61 points)
- Farm per Capita (1.30 points)
- Pumpkin Patches per Capita (2.61 points)
- Movie Theaters per Capita (1.30 points)
- Average Price per Movie Ticket (1.30 points)
- Bars & Dance Clubs per Capita (2.61 points)
- Number of Amusement Parks (2.61 points)
- Halloween Weather (10 total points)
- Halloween Temperature vs. Average Temperatures (5.00 points)
- Forecasted Halloween Precipitation (5.00 points)
Those three key dimension and the 20 relevant metrics that fall under them were graded on a 100 point scale and weighted in order to make the final rankings. Each 100 point score represented the most favorable Halloween conditions for a Halloween celebration. Finally, for this list they only used the city proper, not the whole metro area.
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After all of the numbers were crunched, Detroit ranked #91 overall, dead last in % of potential trick or treat stops and 95th in Crime. Which is why Detroit ranked as one of the worst cities for Halloween in the U.S.
Check out the full list on WalletHub.
9 Worst Trick or Treat Handouts for Halloween
Key Chains
Keychains are handy, but they’re not exactly the kind of treasure kids hope to find in their candy haul. They want stuff that’s sweet, not stuff for keys they don’t have. Save yourself some money and pass on key chains.
klyaksun/ Getty Images
Hygiene Products
We all know cleanliness is important, but getting soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer in your treat bag on Halloween is not what kids look forward to. It’s a treat, not a trip to the pharmacy. It’s like getting socks for Christmas. While practical, it’s not exactly exciting.
onsuda/ Getty Images
Loose Change
Coins may have been an acceptable treat decades ago, but nowadays, they’re seen as disappointing. Kids prefer candy. Or maybe small toys (if they’re exciting/cool enough). Unless, you’re giving away the big bucks, steer clear of this one.
Max Zolotukhin/ Getty Images
Trail Mix
Healthy snacks are great, but Halloween is all about the sugar rush. Kids aren’t exactly thrilled to find a mix of fruit and nuts in their bag. They’re hoping for chocolates and gummies, not something they associate with after-school snacks.
dbvirago/ Getty Images
Coupons
Adults may appreciate coupons for discounts at local businesses, but they don’t make for a fun Halloween treat for kids. Saving money is cool, but Halloween is all about instant gratification. And coupons for discounts don’t really make the cut.
ichico/ Getty Images
Brochures or Pamphlets
Halloween is not the time to distribute religious or informational materials. Kids are looking for fun and treats, not pamphlets. Consider giving those away another day that’s not Halloween.
Wirestock/ Getty Images
Toothbrushes and Dental Floss
Halloween is all about the candy, right? So, if you toss a toothbrush or dental floss into a kid’s stash of treats, you’re basically inviting disappointment. Plus, it’s safe to assume that the trick-or-treater already has a toothbrush. Do they truly need another one?
egal/ Getty Images
Unwrapped Candy
Throwing unwrapped candy into a plastic pumpkin? That’s just asking for a sticky mess. Plus, it’s not the cleanest option. And given the concerns these days, it’s just another worry for parents who fear someone might mess with their child’s candy.
LeventKonuk/ Getty Images
Homemade Treats
Those fancy homemade snacks that look like they came straight from Pinterest can be cute, but if you don’t really know the kids or their parents, they might wonder about your intentions. Sticking to pre-packaged treats is your best bet on Halloween, especially if you’re trying to keep trick-or-treating simple and sanitary.
13-Smile/ Getty Images
