America has always had a fascination with the paranormal. Reports of ghosts, hauntings and apparitions were an almost daily occurrence if you go back just 150 years. Nowadays these experiences are few and far between, however there are still a significant number of people who believe in such a thing – in fact over half of Americans (55%) say they do.
We conducted a national survey of 5,000 residents, and discovered that over a third (36%) have had what they would describe as a ‘paranormal experience’, which coincidentally led to two out of ten (19%) seeking the help of a psychic or a priest. Fortunately, just one in ten (9%) reported their experience as ‘aggressive’, with their encounter(s) involving disturbing noises, items being thrown or broken and even feeling physical discomfort and/or pain.
Whether you’re a ‘believer’ or not is up to you, but according to the results, just the thought of a home being haunted is enough to put the majority (61%) of you off from buying it!
So where in the US do most people report hauntings and ghostly goings-on? According to our data Kansas is the most haunted State in the country – it even has a whole haunted town! Massachusetts and Texas make up the top 3, but if you’re curious whether your state makes the top 10, check out the below list:
1. Kansas
Home to Fort Leavenworth, KS is recognised as one of the most haunted military forts in the United States. The apparition of the fort’s Father Fred is known to roam around the chapel.
2. Massachusetts
Drive down Route 44 near the Seekonk-Rehoboth and prepare to see the Red-Headed Spectre, a red haired ghostly lumberjack. Sightings report seeing him not only on the side of the road, but also in the backseat cars.
3. Texas
In Southern Texas, there is the Yorktown Memorial Hospital, where patients whose deaths were caused by neglect or medical error reportedly roam the hallways.
4. Washington
The Old Stone House in Washington is the oldest structure in D.C still on its original foundation. Numerous visitors have reported being ‘choked’ by a ghoul named George.
5. Oklahoma
The Sacred Heart Mission and Cemetery can be found in Konawa, once a thriving institution, it burned down in 1901, killing several children. It’s thought their spirits still haunt the premises.
6. Philadelphia
John Wister, a merchant and wine importer, was killed by a British army General in Grumblethorpe Avenue in 1744. He is said to haunt the house where his blood stains still remain.
7. Iowa
The Villisca Ax Murder House has been voted as one of the most haunted properties in America. In 1912, two adults and six children were found murdered in their beds. Even now, the mystery remains unsolved.
8. Kentucky
Kentucky’s oldest prison in Eddyville was home to the horrifically tortured and executed. There have been reports of orb sightings, the sounds of footsteps, voices and even screaming.
9. Alaska
In Skagway, Alaska, there is the Red Onion Saloon. The bar, which used to be a brothel, is thought to be haunted by a former madam, Lydia, who leaves the air cold and filled with the smell of perfume.
10. Colorado
Colorado is home to the Stanley Hotel, which is famously the inspiration behind Stephen King’s horror novel The Shining.
Considering the results, and our commitment to helping Americans efficiently sell their homes, we decided to launch a dedicated service to help anyone who might own a house with a couple of extra ghouly guests.
We’ve partnered with an exorcist to offer a ‘home exorcism’ service that will ensure your property is empty of any apparitions and suitable for the 61% of Americans who would rather not buy a haunted house (approximately 202,024,401 people!).
The free service will be facilitated initially by a remote video call between the homeowner and our exorcist, who will be able to diagnose the issue (if there is one) and offer advice on how to deal with any paranormal activity. In the case that a home visit is required, the homeowner and exorcist can discuss costs moving forward.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from a paranormal housing problem, please fill in the form below to register your interest in the ‘home exorcism’ service and a member of the team will get back to you if we can help.
