READ: Data Reveals the North American States and Provinces with the Most UFO Sightings (Per Capita)
Every year, thousands of UFO sightings are reported across North America. While many turn out to be explainable—planes, drones, or atmospheric phenomena—others remain a mystery. Using data from the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) and verified media sources, new research highlights where Americans and Canadians are most likely to spot something strange in the sky.
The rankings are based on sightings per capita rather than total reports, showing where you’re statistically most likely to encounter unexplained aerial activity. (Source of data and infographics: Casino.ca – UFO Hotspots US & CA)
Washington now stands as the official UFO capital of America, with one sighting for every 1,021 residents—surpassing its previous second-place rank earlier this year. The Evergreen State has logged more than 7,600 sightings since 1974, with residents describing “flying cylinders” and “beaming lights” hovering over homes.
Close behind is Oregon, reporting one UFO for every 1,105 people. With nearly 3,800 sightings recorded, Oregon’s eerie forests and rugged landscapes seem to attract more than just hikers and tourists.
In third place, Florida takes the spotlight with more than 20,000 sightings—about one for every 1,108 people. Witnesses often describe “white tic-tac-shaped” objects or “silver orbs” darting overhead, suggesting that even the Sunshine State isn’t immune to strange aerial activity.
Rounding out the top five are Delaware (1 per 1,178 people) and New York (1 per 1,236).
On the other end of the spectrum, Louisiana ranks as the state least likely to host a UFO encounter, with just 1,281 reports—roughly one sighting for every 3,583 residents. If you’re hoping to avoid mysterious lights in the sky, Louisiana might be your safest bet.
Heading north, Alberta claims the title of Canada’s UFO capital, with 770 reported sightings—or one per 568 people. Its vast open skies and quiet plains make it a natural stage for mysterious aerial activity.
Ontario follows in second, leading the nation in total reports with more than 22,800 encounters, equal to one per 639 people. From glowing orbs to fast-moving black triangles, Ontarians have seen it all.
In third place, British Columbia has logged 7,927 sightings, about one per 742 residents. Witnesses have described everything from “green UFOs” streaking through the night to “hovering spheres” silently floating above treetops.
Manitoba (1 per 853) and Quebec (1 per 527) round out Canada’s top five UFO hotspots.
Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador appears to be the quietest place in the country for unexplained sky phenomena—with only 70 reports since 1974, or one for every 7,451 residents.
Based on NUFORC’s data:
The United States has logged 176,616 total UFO sightings, meaning your odds of seeing one are roughly 1 in 1,890 (0.0529%).
Canada has reported 34,595 sightings, giving residents higher odds of 1 in 1,156 (0.0865%).
In other words, Canadians may be slightly more likely to encounter something unexplainable in the night sky—especially in known hotspots like Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia.
Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or simply fascinated by the unknown, the data shows that North America remains a hub for UAP sightings. From Washington’s glowing cylinders to Ontario’s mysterious orbs, one thing is certain — people across North America are still seeing things they can’t explain.
