A fundamental shift is taking place in how Americans travel, work, and live. Many people are choosing RVs as their primary travel option, as they value spending time in the great outdoors and embracing the freedom that comes with RVing.
The extent to which the RV industry has expanded is reflected in the latest RVs Move America Economic Impact Study, which was released today by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), according to a press release.
The study showed that the RV industry has an economic effect on the US economy of $140 billion, sustaining over 680,000 jobs and paying over $48 billion in wage costs. This is a 23% increase in economic output in the past three years.
“More Americans than ever before have discovered RVing and the incredible physical and mental health benefits that come from living an active outdoor lifestyle,” said RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby. “The American-made RV industry is an essential part of the American economy that supports $140 billion in economic output and hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs.”
The $140 billion total annual RV industry economic impact includes:
- $73.7 billion was generated by RV manufacturers and suppliers
- $35.7 billion by RV campgrounds and related travel
- $30.5 billion by RV sales and service activities
In addition to the economic impact, the RV industry pays $13.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
“Every resident in America benefits from the substantial tax revenue brought in by the RV industry,” said Kirby. “Taxes that fund roads, bridges, education, and the parks and recreation areas our customers visit.”
Sixty-five million Americans who plan to go RVing this year are contributing not just all-around to the overall US economy but also to the overall outdoor recreation economy, which according to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, represents 1.8% of the US Gross Domestic Product.
Camping, hiking, and even boating and fishing are often not just activities in themselves but start and end with a destination reached in an RV.
The RVs Move America Economic Impact Study encompasses all businesses involved in the manufacture, sale, rental, repair, storage, and service of RVs and the aftermarket industry, financing, and insurance of RV purchases. The impact on the economy of campgrounds as well as the cost of travel during RV trips are also analyzed in the study.
Unsurprisingly, the industry’s most significant positive economic effect is felt by states with substantial manufacturing facilities and booming RV sales.
Indiana – where the RV manufacturing industry was founded – tops the list of states with more than $38 billion in total economic activity, followed in order by California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New York. A total of 31 states each accounted for at least $1 billion in total economic activity.
The economic impact of each state and congressional district can be found at www.RVsMoveAmerica.org.
