Kentucky is the third most haunted state in the country

There are ghosts afoot.

A large, abandoned sanatorium

Kentucky ranked ninth for the most haunted locations in the country with 412 — Waverly Hills Sanatorium among them.

Photo by @theghoulguide + @ayeitzkinedy

Ghosts, apparitions, poltergeists, phantasms — whatever you call them, Kentucky is home to more than its fair share.

A new ranking of the number of ghost sightings, haunted locations, cemeteries, and paranormal investigators per state found the Bluegrass State is the No. 3 most haunted state in the nation. Here’s some of the key stats that led to the ranking:

  • 45,965 cemeteries
  • 412 haunted locations
  • 1,257 ghost sightings
  • 19 paranormal investigators

Kentucky has the second highest number of cemeteries per capita, behind West Virginia.

Another key factor in securing Kentucky’s No. 3 spot was Waverly Hills Sanatorium. The former tuberculosis sanatorium located in southeast Louisville has even been filming location for local horror movies.

Bonus: That’s not the only location with a ghost story or two in Louisville. The Seelbach Hotel is allegedly home to The Lady in Blue, a ghost known for the scent of her lilac perfume.

More from LOUtoday
It pays to plan ahead.
You may have heard of Little Free Libraries, but this international movement is working to bring free films to people in its path.
Café LOUIE is a series of informal meetings designed to facilitate conversation between Louisvillians and both local and state officials.
Locals can take advantage of discounts + deals from Jan. 23-Feb. 1
If you’re taking a break from the booze this January, try these
Airbnb’s travel predictions for the year + how you can take part starting in Louisville.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Let’s take a look at LOUtoday’s most-read articles of 2025.
Good tidings they bring to you and your gin.