Outdoor recreation sector grew faster than the overall economy in 2017, says Commerce Department report

Outdoor recreation value added as a percent of state GDP in 2017; map by U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

The outdoor recreation economy is growing faster than the overall economy, according to a new report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis in the Department of Commerce.

The outdoor recreation sector grew by 3.9 percent in 2017, compared to the overall U.S. economy's 2.4% growth. Outdoor recreation accounted for 2.2% ($427.2 billion) of the gross domestic product in 2017, more than mining, utilities, farming, ranching, and chemical products manufacturing, Amelia Arvesen reports for recreation-industry publication Snews.

For the first time, the report includes information on specific types of recreation activities. They are divided into three categories: "core" (such as camping and hunting), "other core" (gardening, outdoor concerts, etc.) and supporting activities (including construction, travel and tourism, local trips, and government expenditures). "Conventional outdoor recreation accounted for 30.6% of the outdoor recreation economy nationwide in 2017, other recreation accounted for 19.3%, and the remaining 50.1% was supporting activities, Arveson reports.

Chart by U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

The report includes a deep data dive into the outdoor-recreation economy. Read more here.