Rapid City, SD – With Halloween just a week away, South Dakotans are already planning their costumes, and a recent study from market‑research firm CSGOGem shows which characters are capturing the public’s imagination.
Top‑searched costumes in the Badlands State
The data, which examined Google search activity for 854 costume‑related terms during the October 2025 peak, indicates that the K‑Pop Demon Hunters outfit was the most‑searched costume in South Dakota, receiving 1,600 searches. Wednesday Addams and Minions each logged 720 searches, tying for second place. Rumi and Harley Quinn rounded out the top five with 590 searches each.
National context
Nationwide, the K‑Pop Demon Hunters trend also leads, with more than 766,000 searches across all 50 states. The Minions franchise follows with roughly 401,000 queries, then Harley Quinn, Wednesday Addams and Catwoman in descending order.
State‑by‑state breakdown
While the K‑Pop Demon Hunters claim the top spot everywhere, the competition for second place varies. Wednesday Addams ranked second in 21 states, Minions in 16, Harley Quinn in 11 and Rumi in two. This illustrates how regional pop‑culture preferences can differ even when a single trend dominates the market.
Rising and falling trends
Beyond the current leaders, the study identified several costumes gaining momentum. Between August 2025 and August 2026, searches for Bowser Jr. surged 870%, followed by Rosalina at 459%. Other notable jumps included Freddy Fazbear (+91%), Yoshi (+89%) and Mario (+11%). Conversely, interest in the Silent Hill Nurse costume declined 30% year over year.
What the numbers mean for families
Ethan Brown, a researcher at CSGOGem, said the findings highlight how Halloween offers families a chance to exercise creativity and imagination. “The search data shows just how much the holiday means to those who celebrate it,” Brown explained. For parents and guardians, the trends can help guide costume purchases, ensuring children have options that are both popular and readily available.
Local retailers respond
Rapid City costume shops and regional retailers have already begun stocking the top‑searched items. Several stores reported increased orders for K‑Pop Demon Hunters accessories, as well as classic favorites like Minions and Harley Quinn apparel. Business owners say early inventory moves help avoid the last‑minute rush that often strains supply chains.
Planning a safe and fun Halloween
Local law‑enforcement agencies continue to remind residents to observe safety guidelines, especially when costumes involve masks or props that could obstruct vision. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety also encourages families to keep costumes age‑appropriate and to consider comfort during evening activities.
As the holiday approaches, South Dakotans can look forward to a vibrant mix of pop‑culture, classic horror and whimsical characters filling the streets of Rapid City, Sioux Falls and beyond. Whether children choose a K‑Pop Demon Hunter outfit or a beloved cartoon figure, the season promises creativity, community spirit and plenty of family‑friendly fun.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
