Halloween is approaching and a lot of scary things have happened this year but have you ever wondered what really scares US citizens?

Our new research reveals the top fears in each US state and which fears are overall the most common across the country… it may surprise you.

Which Phobia is Most Popular in the biggest States?

 Three out of five most populated states are scared of people 😳

California– Interestingly, with a large population of 39,613,493, California is the most Anthropophobic state, with a fear of people! With California being the third-largest state by area and the largest in population – the likelihood of having to see another person is pretty high with 1 in 8 US residents living there!

Texas –  The state of the brave, and both the second-largest state by population and size, was revealed as being the most Hemophobic, (scared of blood). We recommend avoiding any old westerns over the holidays!

Florida – The sunshine state was revealed as being afraid of blood, no surprise blood is linked to doom and gloom and quite possibly the most common theme in Halloween! Thankfully if you just avoid horror films this season you should get away with not having to see any blood.

New York – The city that never sleeps. It is surprising that New Yorkers are most scared of people! Being in a city where one report found you have a 15% chance of bumping into someone you know, let alone someone you don’t! Maybe it’s time to take a trip to the Hampdens this season?

Pennsylvania – In the 2020 U.S. Census it was revealed that Pennsylvania is the 9th most densely populated state in the U.S. It is also the most scared of people! I doubt you’ll see many people out trick or treating this halloween!

It is interesting that the largest states are most affected by Anthropophobia. Although, this could be linked to the idea of not having any personal space or having to avoid those around them for the last year…

Top searched fears in the US

The top three most feared phobias in the US are…

1. Nyctophobia – fear of the dark

Does the idea of all the lights being turned off cause you panic and anxiety? Nyctophobia is extremely common in both young children and adults and it is no surprise it is one of the top searched for fears across the US – we are used to having access to light and especially this spooky season no one wants to be walking along a dark road by themselves.

1. Anthropophobia – fear of people

Although this term isn’t officially used within the medical society, the fear of people is real! Anthropophobia causes people to experience extreme feelings of social anxiety. In a country nearly as large as most continents it is no surprise that citizens are feeling overwhelmed by other people, especially after a year of being told to avoid others and keep your distance.

1. Monophobia – fear of being alone or isolated

Most people have a deep-rooted fear of being alone, but for some people, it is much more than that! As humans, we naturally gravitate to other humans, and similarly to Anthropophobia, Monophobia is a form of social anxiety but on the opposite spectrum. If you’re feeling like this, it is most likely others around you are too!

Table of US states and their top searched for fears

Methodology

The data is based on 51 states, including the District of Columbia.

Using Google Keyword Tool Area52 analyzed 49 fears, chosen from The Chapman University Survey of American Fears Wave 7 (2020/2021) study. Those were then analyzed against Google Trends data to see which fear US states were most affected by.

About Area 52

Area 52 is a CBD company that specializes in delta 8. It believes in the medicinal aspects of CBD oil, which can play an integral role in the process of self-growth and development.