In Numbers: Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Economy is Growing!

Pennsylvania's outdoor economy is growing. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) 2023 Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA), Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy grew 10% from 2022 to 2023. Outdoor recreation contributed almost 19 billion dollars to Pennsylvania's economy, accounting for 2% of Pennsylvania’s 2023 GDP. Pennsylvania ranked 8th among all states in outdoor recreation value added from 2022 to 2023. 

Nationally, the outdoor recreation industry contributed $639.5 billion, or 2.3%, to the US GDP. While outdoor recreation growth (3.6%) once again outpaced growth in the national economy (2.9%), this growth rate is down from 2022 (10.2%). 

Within Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy, Boating and Fishing is the top outdoor activity in economic contribution. Notable growth occurred in Motorcycling/ATVing and Bicycling from 2021 to 2023. 

Source: BEA 2021-2023

In terms of value add, Pennsylvania ranks among the highest in the nation in dollars generated from Bicycling (2) and Motorcycling/ATVing (5). Pennsylvania is also in the top ten states for Equestrian (7), Climbing / hiking / tent camping (8), Hunting / shooting / trapping (9), and RVing (10), indicating the variety of outdoor activities enjoyed in the state. 

In Pennsylvania, economic value generation is not limited to outdoor activities alone. Supporting activities, including construction, tourism, transportation, souvenirs, accommodation and food service make up nearly half of outdoor recreation’s economic contribution ($7.9 B). 

Employment

More than 168,000 are employed in outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania, an increase of more than 6,400 jobs since 2022. Outdoor recreation employment grew by 4% between 2022 and 2023 in Pennsylvania, slightly outpacing the national growth rate of 3.3%.

Source: BEA 2023

More than one third of outdoor recreation employment in Pennsylvania is in Retail and one quarter is in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation. 

Compensation 

Outdoor recreation compensation grew 10% in Pennsylvania from 2022 to 2023, compared to 9% at the national level. Pennsylvania ranks 8th in the nation for outdoor recreation compensation and 15th in compensation growth rate. Compensation per outdoor recreation employee in Pennsylvania averages around $52k annually, compared to $83K for overall salaried positions. According to BEA “Employees include both part-time and full-time employees, as well as temporary (seasonal or short-term) employees, and employees on paid vacation or other paid leave.”

Nationally, the outdoor recreation industry employment growth (3.3%) and compensation growth (9%) also outpaced overall growth. 

BEA Definitions & Limitations

ORSA data is based on BEA’s definition of Outdoor Economy and is comparable across geographies. The BEA distinguishes ORSA across conventional, other, and supporting industries. Conventional ORSA consists of what BEA defines as traditional outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, boating, and hunting. Other ORSA captures other activities that occur outside such as gardening and outdoor concerts. Supporting ORSA industries include construction, travel, tourism, local trips, and public investment. 

While comparable across geographies, the BEA definition of Outdoor Economy is all encompassing rather than targeted or location specific. These rankings consider the outdoor economy overall rather than weigh industry concentrations or specialization. See BEA’s definition of outdoor recreation here.

VIDEO: Keystone Edition Business - Outdoor Recreation

In this episode of Keystone Edition Business, host Steve Stumbris dives into Pennsylvania's thriving outdoor recreation industry and its significant impact on the state's economy. Learn about the newly established Pennsylvania Outdoor Business Alliance and hear from key guests, including Nathan Reigner, the state's first Director of Outdoor Recreation; Katie Caputo, entrepreneur and founder of Roambler.com; and Chris Barrett, Director of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Explore how outdoor recreation contributes over $14 billion annually to the state's economy and supports more than 150,000 jobs. The panel discusses the benefits of innovation, business cooperation, and sustainable growth that ensure Pennsylvania's natural beauty remains accessible and protected for future generations. Watch as local initiatives and industry-wide partnerships transform outdoor experiences into powerful economic drivers, fostering local development and enriching communities across the state.

Outdoor Recreation Businesses Encouraged to Provide Feedback to Elevate the Outdoor Recreation Industry in Pennsylvania

We know the importance and value outdoor recreation brings to Pennsylvania.

We know about the well-being and quality of life benefits it brings to communities; however, less is known about how the outdoor recreation industry is powerful contributor to Pennsylvania’s economy.

We’re ready to change that.

The outdoor industry contributes about $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports more than 164,000 full-time jobs — earning Pennsylvanians $8 billion in wages and salaries.

While this sounds impressive, we know that there are real challenges facing the businesses and professionals that make up the outdoor recreation industry, and we’re ready to help!

Elevate is an initiative to lift the outdoor recreation industry by bringing together outdoor recreation providers, producers, and professionals to encourage a strong and unified voice for the outdoor industry to solve the challenges it is facing and make Pennsylvania a national leader in outdoor recreation.

We know that you are stronger together!

Who Makes Up the Outdoor Recreation Industry?

Identifying who makes up our outdoor recreation industry is the first step with which your help is needed.

• If you own a coffee shop next to a trail, provide overnight lodging to outdoor recreation users, or have a restaurant or bar that caters to trail users, you are an outdoor recreation business.

• If you sell outdoor recreation equipment and vehicles, clothing and supplies, or own a repair shop for outdoor recreation equipment, you are an outdoor recreation business.

• If you provide outdoor recreation experiences, put on events or festivals, or teach people outdoor recreation skills, you are an outdoor recreation business.

• If you manufacture or distribute outdoor recreation equipment, clothing, food, and drink, you are an outdoor recreation business.

• If you are creating content, providing services, or developing infrastructure to get people outside, you are an outdoor recreation business.

We Need to Hear from You!

If you fit into any of these categories, please fill out the survey at the Elevate Outdoors Pennsylvania website by December 31, 2024.

This survey will tell us about your business and operations and what you need to grow and prosper.

The information will be used to communicate with the outdoor recreation industry about the steps being taken to elevate the industry and further grow the importance of the outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania.

Never before has there been a more powerful opportunity to shape the future of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry — engage in Elevate!