SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2024, showcasing outdoor recreation’s significant economic impact on Utah. According to the BEA, Utah’s outdoor recreation economy generated $9.75 billion in value-added, accounting for 3.3% of Utah’s GDP and supporting 75,182 jobs statewide.
“A 2.6% increase in Utah’s outdoor economy reflects the state’s continued investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure to support the growing demand for outdoor activities,” said Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “With more state funding than ever being put toward increasing the number of available opportunities, more local economies are reaping the benefits. From trail expansions and boating access to recreational land acquisitions, these investments are helping communities across Utah benefit from a $9.75 billion outdoor recreation economy.”
The state’s outdoor recreation economy has also shown strong long-term growth. Since the BEA began tracking outdoor recreation’s economic contributions in 2012, Utah ranked third in the nation for growth in outdoor recreation GDP, increasing 7.9% over the past decade, trailing only Idaho and Tennessee, reflecting the state’s leadership in the outdoor recreation sector.
Utah has long been a national leader in recognizing the economic and community value of outdoor recreation. In 2013, Utah became the first state in the nation to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, which has since expanded into the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Today, the state continues to invest in outdoor recreation through grants, infrastructure funding and statewide programs that expand access and support local communities. These investments help fund trails, boating access, recreational land acquisition and outdoor recreation planning, strengthening rural economies and ensuring Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities continue to benefit residents and visitors alike.
Key Highlights from the 2024 data on Utah’s outdoor recreation economy:
- $9.75 billion in economic output; up from $9.5 billion in 2023, a 2.6% increase
- 3.3% of Utah’s GDP
- 75,182 jobs and $4.6 billion in wages
- Top industries include conventional and supporting outdoor recreation activities, $7.9 billion; snow activities, $598 million; RVing, $403 million; boating/fishing, $563 million
Nationally, the 2024 numbers show outdoor recreation contributes $1.3 trillion in economic output (2.4% of GDP), supporting 5.2 million jobs. This reflects the sector’s sustained strength as a vital part of the U.S. economy. (ORR Release Link). Like many national economic indicators, the outdoor recreation data is released with a built-in reporting lag as the BEA compiles and verifies economic data from multiple industries across the country.
For more information, visit recreation.utah.gov.
About Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
In 2022, the Utah State Legislature recognized the growing importance of the outdoors to Utah’s economic prosperity and quality of life and created the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR). As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, DOR builds on the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation and supports statewide outdoor recreation through key programs and initiatives, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, Grants, Trails & Planning, the Statewide Trail Crew and Utah’s Every Kid Outdoors Initiative.
DOR is committed to ensuring health, safety, enjoyment, and economic benefit through life-enriching, high-quality outdoor recreation for all of Utah’s residents and visitors. DOR’s areas of focus include recreational access, safety and education, stewardship and sustainable visitation, and economic growth and opportunity through outdoor recreation. For more information, visit recreation.utah.gov.