WYOMING — Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy reached $2.02 billion in 2022, accounting for 4.1% of the state’s GDP, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
In 2021, outdoor recreation accounted for $1.5 billion, 3.6% of the state’s GDP.
“Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the Wyoming economy and is stitched tightly into what it means to live in our state, with endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors,” Patrick Harrington, Manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to see this growth and to celebrate the work of folks all across Wyoming who are advancing this economy in a way that makes sense for the people that call this place home.”
According to the report, only Hawaii (5.6%), Vermont (4.6%) and Montana’s (4.3%) outdoor recreation sectors contributed a higher percentage to their state’s GDP.
Also included in the report is the news that outdoor recreation employment in the state jumped from 15,285 to 16,202 jobs, representing 5.6% of Wyoming’s total employment.
“Wyoming’s outdoor recreation industry continues to thrive as a strong economic driver resulting in recent historic advances to ensure outdoor recreation continues to add vitality to our local and state economies and the quality of life of Wyoming citizens,” the Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources office said via press release.
The report notes that the nationwide outdoor recreation economomy topped $1 trillion for the first time ever, reaching $1.1 trillion in 2022, 2.2% of the country’s GDP. Outdoor recreation positions represent 3.2% of nationwide employment at roughly 5 million jobs.
