Most Americans Say They’ve Experienced Something Paranormal

If you’ve ever felt a chill when no window was open or heard a strange noise when you were home alone, you’re in good company. According to a new poll, 60% of Americans say they’ve had at least one paranormal experience, and many believe there’s more to it than science can explain.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Most Common Paranormal Encounters

Out of the 13 types of supernatural experiences listed in the survey, feeling “a presence or unknown energy” ranked highest, with 35% of people saying it’s happened to them.

35% of those people say they've "felt a presence or unknown energy."
32% have "smelled an unexplained odor."
31% have "heard an unexplained sound or music."
26% have "heard the voice of someone who wasn't there."
26% have "felt an unexplained change in temperature."
23% have "seen lights or other devices turn on or off without explanation."
18% have "seen unexplained orbs of light."
17% have "seen an object move without explanation."
16% have "seen a spirit or ghost."
16% have "seen a door open or close without explanation."
10% have "seen an angel."
9% have "seen unexplained smoke."
7% claim they've actually "seen a demon."

Believers vs. Skeptics

Men (38%) are more likely than women (28%) to believe their paranormal experiences could have scientific explanations.
Around 40% of Americans believe in demons, ghosts, and psychics, but just 6% believe vampires and werewolves exist.
10% of people believe they can psychically see events in the future.
9% say they can physically see events in the past.
7% say they can physically see current events that they're not physically present for.
7% claim they can communicate with the dead.

Most Ghosts Are “Good” Ones

When it comes to ghosts, not all spirits seem to be out for a scare. Of those who say they’ve seen one, 31% described their encounter as a “good ghost.” Another 24% said their spirits were neutral, while 8% said they met something evil.

So if you've ever experienced something strange or paranormal, just know, you are not alone.