Montana’s #1 Fear Will Surprise You—And It’s Not Bears or Heights
Whether or not you’re into Halloween, it’s safe to say that this time of year can give even the toughest folks the creeps. So, Montana, what gets under your skin?
According to a new survey of 3,000 Americans, 97% of people admit they have a fear of something. The survey asked people to rate common fears and mapped out the top phobias by state.
Across the board, death ranked as the #1 fear in 17 states, including places like Washington, California, and Colorado. Heights took the top spot in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, while snakes crawled in at #3, the biggest fear in Mississippi, Utah, and others.
For other states, public speaking and tight spaces hit a nerve. In Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, public speaking terrifies people the most, while those in places like Iowa and Oregon are most afraid of enclosed spaces. Meanwhile, states like Louisiana and Massachusetts are haunted by fears of failure and spiders, respectively.
But here’s the kicker: Montana is the only state where the most common fear is ghosts and spirits. So, Montanans, maybe there’s something about those mountain landscapes and big skies that stirs up thoughts of the supernatural… or maybe you just like a good ghost story!
Interestingly, there wasn’t a clear winner in five states: North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It seems that in these areas, fear is more varied—no single phobia stood out as the top pick.
The survey also threw in a challenge: Would people be willing to face their biggest fear for 24 hours in exchange for $1,000?
Turns out, 24% of people were willing to confront their fears for the cash, no questions asked. Another 33% would do it if they were guaranteed safety, showing just how seriously some take their fears. Meanwhile, 27% had no interest in the offer, declining outright, and 16% said they’d have to think it over before making a decision.
As Halloween approaches, it’s interesting to see what gives people the chills in different places. While some might scoff at the idea of facing death, heights, or public speaking, others couldn’t bear the thought of a snake or a spirit encounter.
This survey reveals a lot about regional fears and makes you wonder—if someone offered you $1,000 to confront your biggest fear for a day, would you take it?
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Gallery Credit: Stacker