The 10 Most Superstitious States in America—Just in Time for Friday the 13th
A new study reveals which states are canceling flights, rescheduling dates, and dodging decisions on this famously unlucky day.
Friday the 13th is creeping up, and across the U.S., people are gearing up—whether that means canceling flights, avoiding mirrors, or pulling out their lucky charms. A new nationwide study of 3,000 Americans found that 70% believe in superstitions, and when it comes to Friday the 13th, people aren’t taking any chances.
From coast to coast, Americans are ghosting travel plans, love interests, and major decisions when the 13th falls on a Friday. But the level of superstition varies wildly by state. Here are the 10 states where superstition runs the deepest, based on how cautious residents are and which beliefs they still cling to.
1. New Hampshire
New Hampshire might be known for its independent streak, but when it comes to superstition, residents aren’t taking chances. The state ranks highest in the nation for overall belief in unlucky omens, and many avoid travel, romantic plans, and even major financial decisions when the 13th hits a Friday. Black cats beware—this state takes superstitions seriously.
2. New York
In the city that never sleeps, maybe it’s no surprise residents are watching their step. From skipping floor 13 in skyscrapers to avoiding contracts on Friday the 13th, superstition has a firm grip on the Empire State. New Yorkers also report some of the highest levels of stress and anxiety around this “unlucky” day, with many citing past bad experiences as the reason they don’t mess with fate.
3. Massachusetts
With deep roots in colonial folklore (hello, Salem), Massachusetts is no stranger to superstition. While the study doesn’t single out specific behaviors here, the high score suggests that many locals still follow traditional beliefs, like avoiding certain numbers or steering clear of risky moves on unlucky days.
4. Delaware
Delaware may be one of the smallest states, but its superstition score is anything but minor. Residents here report a high belief in omens, charms, and bad luck associations. From tossing salt to avoiding cracks, the First State is anything but first in line when it comes to tempting fate.
5. Kansas
Kansas joins Delaware in fifth place, showing that superstition isn’t just an East Coast thing. From not stepping on cracks to knocking on wood, Kansans take classic bad luck cues seriously. The study shows above-average superstition scores, hinting that many still take Friday the 13th seriously.
6. West Virginia
In the hills of West Virginia, old Appalachian superstitions still hold strong. Residents here score well above the national average in belief-based behaviors, especially when it comes to ghosts, signs, and omens.
7. Colorado
Colorado may be bold when it comes to outdoor adventure, but residents are a bit more cautious when it comes to luck. The state’s high superstition score suggests many still follow precautionary rituals or avoid riskier decisions on days like Friday the 13th.
8. Connecticut
Connecticut residents tend to keep their rituals quiet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. People here are big on avoiding certain numbers, colors, and dates when planning events or business launches. It’s the kind of quiet superstition that flies under the radar… but guides major decisions all the same.
9. Oregon
Known for keeping things quirky, Oregon embraces all kinds of personal rituals and charms. With a solid superstition score, the state shows that even free spirits may hesitate when Friday the 13th rolls around.
10. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania rounds out the top 10, driven by a strong belief in generational traditions and folklore. Residents here may still avoid walking under ladders or scheduling big events on certain dates—not because they’re scared, but because “why risk it?”
More Surprising Study Stats:
- 56% of Americans won’t fly on Friday the 13th, making it a surprisingly good day to score a deal on airfare.
- 51% would cancel or reschedule a date on the day.
- 49% avoid signing contracts, starting new jobs, or making big life moves.
- On social media, 84% of Friday the 13th posts carried a negative or anxious tone.
- 1 in 5 Americans say it’s the #1 superstition they take seriously.
Least Superstitious States:
If you’re the kind of person who breaks a mirror and shrugs, you probably live in one of these states:
- Wyoming
- Alabama
- Nevada
These states take a more skeptical approach—fewer rituals, fewer charms, and less concern about what the calendar says.
So… are you canceling your plans or daring to defy fate this Friday the 13th?
Whether you’re someone who always knocks on wood or someone who rolls your eyes at horoscopes, this much is clear: superstition is still alive in the U.S., especially in these top 10 states.
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