Federal data shows powersports play vital role in outdoor recreation economy
A March 11 Ride Report by the Motorcycle Industry Council highlights new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis that shows outdoor recreation continued to play a significant role in the U.S. economy in 2024, with powersports ranking among the sector’s largest activities.
According to the bureau’s latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in economic output in 2024, supporting 5.2 million American jobs and accounting for 2.4% of U.S. gross domestic product. The sector grew 2.7% in real terms (inflation-adjusted) over 2023, proving the demand for outdoor experiences throughout the country.
The motorcycling/ATVing category — which includes recreational OHVs like side-by-sides — ranked fourth among conventional outdoor recreation activities by current-dollar value added.
“Motorcycling/ATVing posted a slight increase from 2023 to 2024 in current-dollar values,” says Buckner Nesheim, director of research and statistics for the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.
“Even when accounting for inflation, the industry held steady, reflecting the continued strength and enthusiasm for powersports recreation.”
States such as Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois recorded the largest increases in motorcycling/ATVing value added as a share of state GDP, while California, Wisconsin, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Georgia saw the largest overall economic contributions from motorcycling and ATV activity.
The data is part of BEA’s ongoing effort to measure the economic impact of outdoor recreation across the United States through its Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account.
“This data illustrates the importance that powersports plays in the broader outdoor recreation economy,” Nesheim says. “Our industry supports millions of jobs, fuels local businesses, and provides millions of Americans opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.”
