As Halloween creeps closer, thoughts naturally turn to all things spooky. But while most of us are content with plastic skeletons and fake cobwebs, some American cities don’t need to dress up for the season – they’re genuinely haunted year-round.
With ghost tours booming and paranormal investigations becoming mainstream entertainment, CryptoCasinos wanted to discover which U.S. cities have earned the most spine-chilling reputations. The comprehensive online platform, known for reviewing crypto and Bitcoin-based casino sites, decided to venture into decidedly different territory by investigating America’s most haunted destinations.
The study examined ghost sightings, haunted locations, Google search popularity for paranormal terms, and the presence of paranormal societies across 20 American cities. Each city received a weighted Haunted Score out of 100, combining these factors to identify the places where the supernatural seems most at home.
Table: The Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the US
| Rank | City | No. of Ghost Sightings | No. of Haunted Locations | Google Search Index | Haunted Score |
| 1 | Austin, Texas | 115 | 3 | 1180 | 68.06 |
| 2 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 30 | 7 | 2320 | 37.42 |
| 3 | Orlando, Florida | 13 | 22 | 640 | 37.08 |
| 4 | New Orleans, Louisiana | 26 | 17 | 4570 | 34.23 |
| 5 | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | 44 | 6 | 2300 | 33.95 |
| 6 | Houston, Texas | 48 | 0 | 1180 | 32.38 |
| 7 | San Antonio, Texas | 27 | 4 | 1970 | 28.26 |
| 8 | Portland, Oregon | 30 | 4 | 720 | 25.73 |
| 9 | Savannah, Georgia | 24 | 9 | 3120 | 25.62 |
| 10 | Chicago, Illinois | 21 | 6 | 4800 | 25.25 |
Note: Ghost sightings carried the heaviest weight at 60%, followed by haunted places at 25%, and paranormal societies at 15%, creating a comprehensive picture of each city’s ghostly reputation.
The Spookiest Cities Revealed
1. Austin, Texas (68.06)
Texas’s capital city dominates the supernatural scene with a staggering 115 ghost sightings, nearly three times more than any other city in the top five. This impressive tally propels Austin to the top of America’s haunted hierarchy, despite having only 3 haunted locations.
The city’s reputation for being ‘weird’ clearly extends beyond its quirky culture into the realm of the paranormal, with spirits seemingly as drawn to Austin’s eclectic atmosphere as the living residents who flock there.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada (37.42)
Sin City takes second place with 30 ghost sightings and 7 haunted locations, proving that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay buried. The city’s 2320 Google search index shows significant public interest in its supernatural side, perhaps fueled by the countless stories of gamblers who never quite 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)
The theme park capital surprises by claiming third place, boasting an impressive 22 haunted locations despite recording only 13 ghost sightings. This suggests Orlando’s supernatural residents prefer to stick to specific spots rather than wandering the streets.
With centuries of history predating Disney’s arrival, the city has accumulated plenty of ghostly tales 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 records 26 ghost sightings and 17 haunted locations, with the highest Google search interest at 4570.
The city’s lower ranking demonstrates just how competitive America’s haunted landscape has become, as even a place synonymous with ghosts faces stiff competition.
5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (33.95)
The historic battlefield town rounds out the top five with 44 ghost sightings and 6 haunted locations. Gettysburg’s 2300 Google search index reflects ongoing fascination with 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 draw paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Why America’s Haunted Cities Capture Our Imagination
There’s something irresistible about a good ghost story, and these cities have turned their spooky reputations into serious tourist draws. Austin’s live music scene now competes with its ghostly residents for attention, while Las Vegas casinos share space with spectral gamblers who apparently never got the memo about closing time.
Ghost tours pack the streets of these destinations every night, with visitors eager to experience something genuinely spine-chilling rather than another theme park ride.
From Gettysburg’s battlefield echoes to New Orleans’ voodoo legends, these places offer the kind of authentic shivers you can’t manufacture. They’ve figured out that sometimes the best attraction is the one you can’t see, but definitely can’t shake off.
