As Halloween approaches, Londoners are showing a surprising fear of clowns, topping the country in searches for coulrophobia, the clinical term for clown phobia.
A study by Pipers Corner School has revealed the prevalence of clown phobia across England, highlighting regional differences in the number of searches for coulrophobia.”
Between September 2024 and August 2025, London recorded 3,480 searches for the condition, or 35.4 searches per 10,000 residents.
Rutland came second, with 15 searches per 10,000 people. The Isle of Wight came third with 10 searches per 10,000 people.
| Clown Phobia Searches per 10,000 Residents by English County (Sep 2024–Aug 2025) | |||
| County / Area | Searches (Sep 2024–Aug 2025) | Population (2023) | Searches per 10,000 |
| London | 3,480 | 9,840,000 | 35.4 |
| Rutland | 60 | 40,000 | 15 |
| Isle of Wight | 140 | 140,000 | 10 |
| North Yorkshire | 450 | 600,000 | 7.5 |
| Devon | 560 | 800,000 | 7 |
| Bristol | 350 | 500,000 | 7 |
| Derbyshire | 450 | 800,000 | 5.6 |
| Northumberland | 170 | 320,000 | 5.3 |
| Hampshire | 710 | 1,380,000 | 5.1 |
| Shropshire | 240 | 500,000 | 4.8 |
The counties least likely to search for coulrophobia include Dorset and Nottinghamshire, which both had 3.5 searches for clown phobia per 10,000 people.
At the bottom of the table, we have the West Midlands, which is the least afraid of clowns, with just 1.9 people out of 10,000 people searching for coulrophobia in the region.
| Bottom Clown Phobia Searches per 10,000 Residents by English County (Sep 2024–Aug 2025) | |||
| County / Area | Searches (Sep 2024–Aug 2025) | Population (2023) | Searches per 10,000 |
| Dorset | 280 | 800,000 | 3.5 |
| Nottinghamshire | 280 | 800,000 | 3.5 |
| West Midlands | 1,180 | 6,081,000 | 1.9 |
While Halloween is a time of excitement and fun, it can also be overwhelming, especially those who are neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivities.
Lisa Britnell, Educational Psychologist at Pipers Corner School, explains, “Halloween can be an exciting yet unpredictable time for children and adults alike. The sense of anticipation, fear of the unexpected, such as clowns, and a change in routine can make neurodivergent children feel real fear, even when others see the festivities as fun. Families must take the time to plan and make small adjustments that help everyone feel included.
She concludes, “Sensory awareness is key to helping children enjoy the season without becoming overwhelmed. Bright lights, loud noises, masks, and unfamiliar textures can be challenging, but with thought and preparation, the evening can be both enjoyable and accessible for all.”
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