New Federal Data Shows Outdoor Recreation Contributes $2.3 Billion to West Virginia’s Economy
New data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that outdoor recreation generated $2.3 billion in economic activity in West Virginia in 2024, supporting 21,936 jobs and $1.0 billion in wages and compensation across the state.
The figures come from the BEA’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, which measures the economic impact of outdoor recreation nationwide and across all 50 states.
At a national level, the new BEA figures show that outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in gross economic output in 2024 and accounted for 2.4 percent of U.S. GDP. The sector supports 5.2 million jobs nationwide, contributing more to the U.S. economy than agriculture, oil and gas extraction, mining, and utilities.
Since 2012, the outdoor recreation economy has grown 43.3 percent in real terms, underscoring the sector’s sustained growth and expanding role in the American economy.
Within that national landscape, West Virginia continues to contribute to and benefit from the growth of the outdoor recreation economy. The state’s outdoor recreation sector generated $2.3 billion in value added in 2024, reflecting the many ways outdoor experiences, tourism, and related industries support communities and businesses across the state.
“Outdoor recreation is a real part of West Virginia’s economic foundation. It supports jobs, wages, and local businesses while strengthening what makes our state an incredible place to live, work, and play,” said Danny Twilley, AVP of Economic and Community Development at the Smith OEDC. “This new data shows that West Virginia is part of a powerful and growing national outdoor economy, and it reinforces the opportunity we have to continue building on that momentum.”
Outdoor recreation’s impact across West Virginia
In 2024, outdoor recreation accounted for 2.1 percent of West Virginia’s GDP and 3.0 percent of employment statewide, reflecting the wide range of industries that contribute to the outdoor economy.
The data also shows continued forward momentum. West Virginia’s outdoor recreation value added grew 4.5 percent from 2023 to 2024, slightly outpacing the 4.0 percent national growth rate for the first time since 2021.
A broad and diverse outdoor economy
The BEA’s framework highlights how outdoor recreation extends far beyond individual activities. In West Virginia, the outdoor economy is made up of a combination of recreation experiences and supporting industries:
- Supporting activities such as tourism spending, local trips, construction, and government investment in outdoor infrastructure
- Conventional outdoor activities including camping, hiking, boating, hunting, and fishing
- Other outdoor activities such as gardening and outdoor concerts
Together, these sectors demonstrate how outdoor recreation supports a wide network of businesses, jobs, and community investments across the state.
Looking ahead
The latest BEA data reinforces that outdoor recreation is not only an important part of West Virginia’s economy today but also a sector with strong momentum nationally and locally.
As interest in outdoor experiences continues to grow across the country, West Virginia’s landscapes, communities, and businesses position the state to remain an important part of America’s expanding outdoor recreation economy.
About the Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) mission is to empower West Virginia's communities and partners to advance the state's economy and enhance quality of life through outdoor recreation.
Through innovative programs, partnerships, and community engagement, the OEDC supports local businesses, fosters collaboration, and strengthens outdoor recreation infrastructure across the state. This work helps position West Virginia as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a national leader in outdoor economic development.