Mapped: How Outdoorsy Is Your State?

ACCORDING to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2017 National Recreation Economy Report, outdoor recreation in the United States generates $887 billion in spending each year and represents 7.6 million American jobs.

That said, not all states are outdoorsy. The report mentioned above includes a survey that reveals the percentage of the population of each state that participates in outdoor recreation activities. The 10 most outdoorsy states are:

• Alaska: 81%
• Montana: 81%
• Idaho: 79%
• North Dakota: 76%
• Wyoming: 73%
• Utah: 72%
• Vermont: 72%
• Washington: 72%
• Colorado: 71%
• Maine: 70%

To better visualize this data, All Things Waterproof created the map below:

Photo: All Things Waterproof

Texans, New Yorkers, and Alabamians clearly need to go out and spend some time in nature as less than 55% of them participate in outdoor activities.

The least outdoorsy people in the nation are New Jerseyans; less than 50% of them participate in outdoor recreational activities. What’s up, NJ? Didn’t you notice your amazing coastline? Go for a swim, a surf, or a paddle and raise those numbers!

If you don’t know where to start, get inspired to go and enjoy the outdoors by checking out Matador’s 18 images that will make you want to get outdoors IMMEDIATELY.

For more about the report, check All Things Waterproof’s article.