News

The US outdoor recreation industry, which includes both fishing and boating, generated $1.2 trillion to the economy, supporting five million jobs as it grew by more than a third over the past decade.

The annual report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) – whose members include trade body the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) – also ranked each state in terms of its value or contribution from outdoor sports.

Based on on the latest data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and covering 2023, it revealed that California, Florida and Texas were the top three states for overall GDP in the sector, while Hawaii, Vermont and Montana raised the highest percentage of GDP, with Alaska, Nevada and Maryland seeing the largest percentage growth in jobs in outdoor sports.

With new data published in this year’s BEA release dating back to 2012, the rankings also highlight growth since the beginning of the account period.

ORR president Jessica Wahl Turner said: “The latest data underscores the undeniable importance of outdoor recreation to both national and state economies.

“States that prioritise 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 supports state offices of outdoor recreation across the country and is leading the effort to establish new offices of outdoor recreation through access to data, resources, and communications tools.

More information on ORR’s state outdoor recreation programmatic priorities can be found on their website HERE.

 

Highlights from the Report:

Top 5 States by % of GDP:

1. Hawaii (6.3%)

2. Vermont (4.8%)

3. Montana (4.6%)

4. Alaska (4.6%)

5. Wyoming (4.1%)

 

Top 5 States by Size of GDP:

1. California ($81.5B)

2. Florida ($57.8B)

3. Texas ($55.8B)

4. New York ($33.9B)

5. Illinois ($24.4B)

 

Top 5 States by GDP Growth (2022–2023):

1. Massachusetts (13.3%)

2. Hawaii (13.2%)

3. Alaska (13%)

4. Nevada (12.8%)

5. Maryland (12.2%)

 

Top 5 States by GDP Growth (2012–2023):

1. Utah (8.4%)

2. Idaho (8.1%)

3. Washington (7.3%)

4. Colorado (7.2%)

5. Indiana (7.2%)

 

Top 5 States by Compensation Growth (2022–2023):

1. Alaska (17.6%)

2. Hawaii (14.5%)

3. Georgia (13%)

4. New Jersey (12.6%)

5. Maryland (12.4%)

 

Top 5 States by Compensation Growth (2012–2023):

1. Idaho (7.1%)

2. Utah (6.8%)

3. Washington (6.7%)

4. Colorado (6.5%)

5. Montana (6.5%)

 

Top 5 States by Jobs Growth (2022–2023):

1. Alaska (7.5%)

2. Nevada (5.8%)

3. Maryland (5.5%)

4. Georgia (4.9%)

5. Massachusetts (4.6%)

 

Top 5 States by Jobs Growth (2012–2023):

1. Idaho (2.4%)

2. Texas (2.3%)

3. Utah (2.1%)

4. Georgia (1.9%)

5. Nevada (1.9%)