Illinois Outdoor Recreation Economy — Data & Statistics

Illinois’s outdoor recreation economy generated $26.37B in value added in 2024, representing 2.3% of the state’s GDP. The sector supported 179.2K jobs with $12.34B in total compensation. Illinois ranked #5 among all 50 states by outdoor recreation value added.

Key Statistics (2024)

Value Added

$26.37B

Percent of GDP

2.3%

Employment

179.2K

Compensation

$12.34B

Compare With Similar States

• Florida — $65.26B value added
• Texas — $59.44B value added
• New York — $37.25B value added
• Washington — $23.52B value added
• Georgia — $20.70B value added
• Pennsylvania — $20.38B value added