HOUSTON – Welcome to Texas, where you can expect to find horses, cattle, plains and—ghosts? Texans are apparently leading the United States in ghost sightings, according to one study.

There’s a lot of superstition around Halloween time, and as the holiday approaches, there is also an increased chance of a ghostly encounter. And we’re not just talking about costumes.

According to a recent analysis by an expert on odds and luck, certain states are more likely than others to have paranormal activity. Texas, known for its vast landscapes and rich history, stands out with the highest number of ghost sightings in the United States.

Texas: The Ghostly Hotspot

Texas ranks at the top of the list with a total of 4,938 reported ghost sightings, giving residents and visitors a 0.000487% chance of encountering a spirit. This makes the Lone Star State a prime location for paranormal enthusiasts, especially as Halloween draws closer.

Many of these sightings are linked to the state’s old settlements, battlegrounds, and historic sites, with common hotspots including abandoned buildings, schools, and old roads.

Schools are surprisingly one of the most likely places to encounter a ghost, ranking alongside homes and roadways for frequent hauntings. Texas’ long and storied history provides fertile ground for these ghostly encounters, making it a prime destination for thrill-seekers.

Other States with High Ghostly Activity

Following Texas is Ohio, with 1,854 sightings and a 0.000473% chance of seeing a ghost. Ohio’s own haunted history contributes to its rank as the second most likely state for a ghost encounter. Close behind are Michigan (1,566 sightings), Indiana (1,307), and Oklahoma (1,292), rounding out the top five states for ghostly sightings.

States like Virginia also stand out, with 1,185 reported ghost sightings and a 0.000408% chance of an encounter. Known for its colonial history and battlefields, Virginia is a rich source of ghost stories and haunted locations.

Best Times to Spot a Ghost

For those hoping to increase their chances of seeing a ghost, the analysis shows that the best times for paranormal activity are in the early hours between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., and, of course, on Halloween Night (Oct. 31). Additionally, the Día de los Muertos celebration from Nov. 1-2 is another peak time for ghost sightings, as the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest.

Top Places for Ghost Sightings

Across the U.S., the most common locations for ghost sightings are:

• At Home: 20,440 sightings

• On a Road: 6,270 sightings

• At School: 5,147 sightings

The findings were based on data from Ghosts of America, a website where users report their ghostly encounters. By analyzing the number of sightings across states and using population data from the U.S. Census, the expert calculated the probability of encountering a ghost in each state. While the odds may seem low, they rise during peak times, such as Halloween and Día de los Muertos.