The Outdoor Industry Association released its 2017 report on the Outdoor Recreation Economy, highlighting the positive impacts on states and the overall U.S. economy, with consumers spending $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation and creating 7.6 million American jobs.
The state by state breakdown for all 50 states can be found here.
The new report outlines that outdoor recreation is among the largest economic sectors in the US. From the smallest rural towns to the most densely packed cities, according to the OIA, outdoor recreation powers an economic engine that creates billions in spending and millions of jobs. The report provides a strong body of data indicating that when communities invest in their recreation economy, public lands and waters, there is compounding return in the form of healthier communities, healthier economies and healthier people.
The report refers to numerous data points making a strong case that when leaders invest in outdoor recreation, research shows that it can even reduce crime rates, improve educational outcomes, and lower health care costs.
The report further describes the importance of our public lands and waters to the recreation economy and in representing the best of America to visitors and the rest of the world. Data shows that the outdoor recreation economy depends on funding, management and access to public lands, which contribute to the growth of local economies and helps ensure that visitors and residents alike have beautiful places to recreate.
We’re inspired by all the data that confirms the positive contributions of investing in the outdoors. Give us a call if you’d like to chat about the report or discuss any aspects of applying OIA data to the unique characteristics of your community or destination.