Montana’s outdoor recreation sector continues to be a significant contributor to its economy, as highlighted by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report for 2024. The study indicates that outdoor recreation activities made up 4.9% of Montana’s GDP, an increase of 0.3% from the previous year, making it the third highest in the nation after Hawaii and Alaska.
The Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account details economic impacts from related activities, including construction, government investment, and manufacturing. Core activities such as gardening, outdoor concerts, and traditional recreation like biking, RVing, hunting, and fishing are encompassed.
In Montana, boating and fishing contributed $149 million, while hunting and shooting added $118 million, and snowsports $77 million. The state ranks high in workforce percentage, with 5.9% employed in the industry, equating to 32,094 jobs. Since 2020, nearly 10,000 jobs have been added.
Nationally, the outdoor recreation sector contributed $696.7 billion to the GDP, a 2.7% rise from 2023, closely aligning with the overall U.S. economy’s 2.8% growth. The economic ripple effect reached $1.3 trillion, the highest since federal tracking began.
Despite the industry’s strength, challenges such as high inflation and interest rates, business uncertainties, and post-COVID consumer behavior shifts are noted by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Jess Turner, ORR president, emphasizes the need for investment in access, supply chain optimization, and policy support for recreation infrastructure.
The BEA’s report, mandated by the 2016 Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act, marks its eighth edition, reflecting the sector’s growing importance. The Outdoor Industry Association states that outdoor participation hit a record 181.1 million in 2024, showing a rise in Americans engaging in outdoor activities.
2024 Outdoor Recreation Highlights:
Boating and fishing, despite a slight dip, contributed $149 million to Montana. Nationally, this activity was valued at $38.4 billion. RVing, the top activity in Montana with $238 million, ranked second nationally. Hunting and shooting saw a 14% growth, contributing $118.4 million. Guiding and outfitting also grew, adding $162.5 million to Montana’s economy.
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