Math in the NewsIssue 82

Halloween Stats

In this issue we look at statistics related to the Halloween season.

How is the state of the economy affecting people’s celebration of Halloween?

Notice that the expected spending on Halloween shows a big drop from last year, and is more in line with two years ago.

Source: National Retail Federation

However, the news isn’t all gloomy. Let’s take a look at longer-term trends.

While spending is down from last year, the trend since 2005 is that people spend an increasing amount on Halloween.

Source: National Retail Federation

The dip in the overall trend happened during the Great Recession of 2008. But since then Halloween has grown in popularity.

Source: National Retail Federation

The Great Recession

Why has Halloween grown in popularity?

Reasons Halloween has grown in popularity

• It is a less expensive holiday than Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• It represents a thriftier time, when people are looking to spend less money, while still enjoying a holiday.

Of the amount expected to be spent in 2013, here is the breakdown by category of expenditure.

Source: National Retail Federation

Here is the same data set, displayed as a circle graph.

Source: National Retail Federation

• Calculate your family’s expenditures on costumes, candy, cards, and decorations.

• Express your data as a circle graph. Compare it to the circle graph on the previous slide.