The growth of the outdoor industry’s economic contribution outpaced the rate of growth of the U.S. economy in 2023, growing to $1.2 trillion in 2023, according to the latest data collected by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), which released its report on Wednesday.
“Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime enjoyed by over 57% of Americans; it’s a cornerstone of our nation’s economy,” said Kent Ebersole, the president of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), in a statement.
That’s an increase from last year’s $1.1 trillion milestone.
Ebersole said it’s important to measure and share the outdoor industry’s economic contribution.
“These activities fuel local economies, drive innovation, and create healthier, more connected communities,” Ebersole said. “As the voice of the outdoor industry, OIA and its members are committed to advancing policies and investments that sustain this growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.”
The data also shows that:
- The outdoor industry supports a growing number of jobs, estimated at five million across the country.
- The outdoor industry accounts for 2.3% of GDP.
- More Americans are enjoying outdoor recreation than ever, at 175.8 million in 2023.
Retail Drives 24.4% of Outdoor Economic Growth
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services contributed $165.2 billion, or 25.8%, to the outdoor economy in 2023.
Retail is the second-largest industry group, bringing in $156.3 billion, or 24.4% of the industry’s growth. The states with the largest contributions were California ($17.6 billion), Texas ($13.9 billion), and Florida ($12.2 billion).
Manufacturing came in third, bringing in $86.7 billion, or 13.6% of value added, and was the largest industry group in Indiana and Louisiana. The states with the largest contributions were Texas ($12.9 billion), California ($11.8 billion), and Indiana ($8.1 billion).
Boating, Fishing, RVing Had Largest Economic Contributions
By activity, the data collected by BEA shows that:
- Boating and fishing was the largest conventional activity in the country, contibuting $36.8 billion, and was the largest conventional activity in 34 states and the District of Columbia. The states with the largest contributions were Florida ($4.2 billion), California ($3.1 billion), and Texas ($2.8 billion).
- RVing was the second-largest conventional activity for the nation at $26.3 billion in value added and was the largest conventional activity in 11 states. The states with the largest contributions were Indiana ($4.7 billion), Texas ($2.5 billion), and California ($2 billion).
- Hunting, shooting, and trapping was the third-largest conventional activity for the nation at $14 billion, and was the largest conventional activity in Wyoming. The states with the largest contributions were Texas ($1.7 billion), California ($705.3 million), and Florida ($676.9 million).
- Snow activities for the nation contributed $7.7 billion to the economy and was the largest conventional activity in three states (Colorado, Utah, and Vermont.) The states with the largest contributions were Colorado ($1.6 billion), California ($692.6 million), and Utah ($643.4 million).
OIA will host a webinar on Dec. 5 to discuss how the data will be used to advocate on behalf of the industry.
