The Most Haunted States in America, Based on Paranormal Activity

Whether you consider yourself to be an amateur ghostbuster or just enjoy the tricks and treats associated with Halloween, there's nothing scarier than a haunted place. According to findings by Ghosts of America, the spookiest states in America are Texas and California.

From 2005 to 2020, there were a total of 6,845 sightings in Texas (approximately 456 sightings each year!) and 6,440 in California. With over 28.7 million residents in Texas, that means that only .0238 percent of the population has said they've seen a ghost.

If that's just a bit too scary for you, consider visiting Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, each of which has about 2,000 paranormal sightings a year. Those states are followed by Indiana, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, New York, and Virginia, all of which have had between 1,000 to 2,000 sightings in the last 15 years. However, if you consider yourself to be a scaredy cat, then you should stay put in either Delaware or Puerto Rico, which have the least amount of paranormal sightings.

There may be some science behind why certain people claim to see ghosts. First and foremost, you have to believe that this activity is real. "Believers are a lot more likely to report anomalous sensations, and they're also more likely to conclude that those sensations indicate a ghostly presence," Chris French, head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London, told Popular Science.

Other explanations for ghost sightings may be as simple as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, mind trickery, or something as deep as a way for the brain to deal with traumatic or confusing events. Next time you spot something mischievous, share your story with Ghosts of America, which keeps tabs on the eeriest happenings in each state.

Where Are The Most Haunted States in America?

According to Ghosts of America, these are the top 20 states in the U.S. for a haunted experience. We've also highlighted the estimated ghost sightings in each location.

1. Texas: 6,845
2. California: 6,444
3. Ohio: 2,555
4. Michigan: 2,426
5. Illinois: 2,151
6. Indiana: 1,892
7. Pennsylvania: 1,743
8. Oklahoma: 1,715
9. New York: 1,670
10. Virginia: 1,655
11. Florida: 1,591
12. Georgia: 1,582
13. Missouri: 1,385
14. Wisconsin: 1,311
15. North Carolina: 1,311
16. Massachusetts: 1,233
17. Tennessee: 1,170
18. Washington: 1,148
19. Alabama: 1,043
20. Kentucky: 1,036

The Most Haunted Sights and Landmarks Across the Country

Now, if you want to go the extra mile and dare to visit these places, these 10 landmarks and places are, allegedly, haunted and filled with paranormal activities, according to CoreLogic and Ghosts and Gravestones. You have been warned—this is not for the faint of heart.

1. The Queen Mary Ocean Liner, Long Beach, California
2. Hill House, Mineral Wells, Texas
3. The Whaley House, San Diego, California
4. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
5. Franklin Castle, Cleveland, Ohio
6. Hotel Chelsea, New York
7. LaLaurie Mansion, New Orleans, Louisiana
8. The Old Jail, St. Augustine, Florida
9. Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
10. The Sallie House, Atchison, Kansas