Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR)* announced its second annual rankings of state outdoor recreation economies based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) data. The rankings highlight the top U.S. states in categories such as overall economic size, growth in gross domestic product from outdoor recreation, compensation growth, and job growth. With new data published in this year’s BEA release dating back to 2012, the rankings also highlight growth since the beginning of the period of the account.
The BEA’s latest rankings are in its latest findings, which showed that in 2023, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3 percent of the national GDP), supported 5 million jobs, and accounted for 3.1 percent of all U.S. employees. Updated data also indicates a 36 percent growth in the outdoor recreation economy since 2012.
“The latest data underscores the undeniable importance of outdoor recreation to both national and state economies,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of ORR. “States that prioritize outdoor recreation are creating jobs, growing local economies, and improving public health while building more equitable access to the outdoors for all Americans. These rankings highlight opportunities for states to invest in outdoor infrastructure and innovation, ensuring that recreation continues to be a driver of economic growth and quality of life.”
Chris Perkins, vice president of programs for ORR, added: “With 24 states now having established offices of outdoor recreation, the message is clear—outdoor recreation is a priority for competitive and sustainable state economies. We hope these rankings inspire more investment in outdoor spaces and opportunities for all communities to thrive.”
ORR Report Highlights include:
Top 5 States by Percent of GDP
- Hawaii, 6.3 percent
- Vermont, 4.8 percent
- Montana, 4.6 percent
- Alaska, 4.6 percent
- Wyoming, 4.1 percent
Top 5 States by Size of GDP
- California, $81.5 Billion
- Florida, $57.8 Billion
- Texas, $55.8 Billion
- New York, $33.9 Billion
- Illinois, $24.4 Billion
Top 5 States by GDP Growth (2022–2023)
- Massachusetts, 13.3 percent
- Hawaii, 13.2 percent
- Alaska, 13 percent
- Nevada 12.8 percent
- Maryland 12.2 percent
Top 5 States by GDP Growth (2012–2023)
- Utah, 8.4 percent
- Idaho, 8.1 percent
- Washington, 7.3 percent
- Colorado, 7.2 percent
- Indiana, 7.2 percent
Top 5 States by Compensation Growth (2022–2023)
- Alaska, 17.6 percent
- Hawaii, 14.5 percent
- Georgia, 13 percent
- New Jersey, 12.6 percent
- Maryland, 12.4 percent
Top 5 States by Compensation Growth (2012–2023)
- Idaho, 7.1 percent
- Utah, 6.8 percent
- Washington, 6.7 percent
- Colorado, 6.5 percent
- Montana, 6.5 percent
Top 5 States by Jobs Growth (2022–2023)
- Alaska, 7.5 percent
- Nevada, 5.8 percent
- Maryland, 5.5 percent
- Georgia, 4.9 percent
- Massachusetts, 4.6 percent
Top 5 States by Jobs Growth (2012–2023)
- Idaho, 2.4 percent
- Texas, 2.3 percent
- Utah, 2.1 percent
- Georgia, 1.9 percent
- Nevada, 1.9 percent
Detailed rankings from within each category can be found here.
*The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is a U.S. coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing over 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and outdoor-related activities. According to the ORR, the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3 percent of GDP), 5 million jobs and comprises 3.1 percent of U.S. employees.
