Labor Market Information Center - Labor Market Overview

October 2025

How can South Dakota have a spooktacular Halloween 2025?

Let us count the ways

Halloween: that magical night when pillowcases become treat sacks, doorbells don’t get a rest, and adults pretend they don’t secretly steal from kids' candy stashes. But have you ever wondered what a South Dakota All Hallows’ Eve looks like—by the digits?
	The Trick-or-Treat Troops How many little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts will come knocking on your door this Halloween? South Dakota has 181,621 potential trick or treaters (those under 15), according to 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
	The Teen (and Beyond) Scene For those who’ve hung up their pumpkin buckets but still crave a scare, there’s plenty of haunting fun to be had. Around 126,285 young South Dakotans (ages 10–19) could be heading out to haunted houses, spooky hayrides, or other eerie events instead.
	Candy Stops Galore How many doorbells may ding across the state on Halloween night? The potential number of trick or treating stops is 382,302 (based on the number of occupied housing units in the state in 2024, per the U.S. Census Bureau). Imagine trying to hit them all. You’d need a map, a week off, and a candy bag the size of Mount Rushmore!
	The Dinner Dilemma Of course, Halloween night can be a whirlwind for families. Between after-school chaos, costume wrangling, and candy negotiations, dinner often becomes an afterthought. Thankfully, the state’s 628 limited-service restaurants are there for a quick drive-through on the ol' broom. (Think fast food, pizza delivery, sandwich shops, etc.) Or, if you’d rather end the sugar-fueled frenzy with something heartier, one of the 11 buffets and cafeterias across the state might just hit the (comfort food) spot.
	Fuel for the Chaperons For the grown-ups pulling chauffeur duty or patrolling the streets with flashlights, there are 266 snack and beverage bars to brew a favorite caffeine concoction or conjure up a magical fruit smoothie potion.
	An Anti-Halloween Escape Plan Not feeling the Halloween hustle? If you’re more “keep the porch light off” than “pass the candy corn,” you’re not alone. Instead of hanging around, you could fly off in the night to one of South Dakota’s 637 full-service restaurants for a peaceful meal while the candy chaos unfolds elsewhere.
	Stocking the Cauldron Need to stock your treats stash? Stop by one of the state’s 19 warehouse clubs or supercenters or 208 general merchandise stores for candy and Halloween goodies galore. Want to keep it local? Check out South Dakota’s 10 confectionery and nut shops for handcrafted sweets, or get truly authentic with one of the state’s two non-chocolate candy makers—perfect for sharing a taste of local flavor.
	Party People Hosting your own haunted happening or monster mash bash? Stop by one of South Dakota’s 95 gift, novelty, and souvenir retailers (including party goods stores) to help set the stage for a frightfully fun night for your guests.
	When the Night Is a Wrap When the last candy wrapper’s been tossed, the glitter’s been cleaned up, and the costumes are back in the closet, don’t forget to brush those sugar-coated fangs! The staff at South Dakota’s 308 dental offices will be proud of you, especially if you can resist the leftover candy the next day—and beyond.
	Craving More? These are just a few examples of the types of demographic and workforce data we have available. Need more? Give one of our LMI wizards a call at 605.626.2314. We're not at all scary and are always ready to lending a helping hand.