New York Ranks Fourth in America's Most Haunted States

The Fright Factor Index 2025 ranks U.S. states based on paranormal activity, including ghost sightings, haunted locations, and open missing person cases. This analysis reveals that California is the most haunted state, followed by Delaware and Texas. New York claims the fourth position, with a Fright Factor Score of 37.1, reflecting its rich history and numerous ghostly encounters.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky HalloweenMental FlossLouisiana Named One of America’s Most HauntedKSFY - Sioux Falls NewsFlorida PoliticsWhat Makes South Dakota The 9th Most Haunted State?

New York's haunted reputation is supported by 1,198 reported ghost sightings and 1,049 open missing person cases as of 2025. The state features four notable haunted locations, including the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, known for unexplained phenomena, and the Merchant’s House Museum in Manhattan, which preserves ghostly tales from nearly two centuries. Albany, established in 1614, is recognized as New York's oldest city.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky HalloweenLouisiana Named One of America’s Most HauntedMental FlossFlorida PoliticsKSFY - Sioux Falls News

The top five most haunted states according to the Fright Factor Index are:

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

1. California: Fright Factor Score 65.7, 3,802 ghost sightings, 3,619 open missing cases.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

2. Delaware: Fright Factor Score 57.2, 86 ghost sightings, 65 open missing cases.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

3. Texas: Fright Factor Score 49.9, 4,938 ghost sightings, 2,749 open missing cases.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

4. New York: Fright Factor Score 37.1, 1,198 ghost sightings, 1,049 open missing cases.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

5. Nevada: Fright Factor Score 22.3, 239 ghost sightings, 230 open missing cases.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

The Fright Factor Score is calculated using five key factors: the number of haunted locations, total ghost sightings, open missing person cases, the age of the oldest city in each state, and the number of haunted casinos. Each factor is standardized on a z-score scale to produce a final score out of 100. States with longer histories and higher counts of documented hauntings tend to score higher.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

While the Fright Factor Index provides an intriguing look at paranormal activity, some critics argue that the methodology may not fully capture the complexities of ghost sightings and hauntings. For instance, the index does not account for the cultural significance of hauntings in certain regions, which may influence public perception and reporting of ghostly encounters.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

• “1 / 100 New York’s long history leaves plenty of room for the supernatural.” — Paul Seaton, Analyst

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

• “The results revealed the spookiest corners of America.” — Paul Seaton, Analyst

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween

The Fright Factor Index 2025 highlights America's fascination with the paranormal, showcasing how historical events and cultural narratives contribute to the haunting legacies of states like New York. As Halloween approaches, the interest in ghost stories and haunted locations continues to thrive, drawing both locals and tourists to explore the eerie tales that linger in the shadows.

With 1,198 ghost sightings, New York is #4 in the nation heading into a spooky Halloween