ORR Releases Annual Rankings of State Outdoor Rec Economies

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced its second annual rankings of state outdoor recreation economies based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). These rankings highlight top 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 time period of the account.

Detailed rankings from within each category can be found here.

The new rankings are based on the BEA’s latest findings, which showed that in 2023, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of the national GDP), supported 5 million jobs and accounted for 3.1% of all U.S. employees. Updated data also revealed a remarkable 36% growth in the outdoor recreation economy since 2012 in real terms.

“The latest data underscores the undeniable importance of outdoor recreation to both national and state economies,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “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, said, “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, the organization said. More information on ORR’s state outdoor recreation programmatic priorities can be found on their website.

Highlights from the Report:

Top 5 States by % of GDP:

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1. Idaho (2.4%)
   2. Texas (2.3%)
   3. Utah (2.1%)
   4. Georgia (1.9%)
   5. Nevada (1.9%)