RVs Move America Economic Impact Study, produced by RVIA, shows the RV industry continues to grow as more people are choosing RVs as their preferred option for travel.
The study revealed the RV industry has an overall annual economic impact to the US economy of $140 billion, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs and paying more than $48 billion in wages.
The previous study in 2019 showed an economic impact of $114 billion, leading to a 23% increase in the past three years. The direct economic impact created by RV manufacturers, suppliers, sales, service, RV campgrounds and travel rose 4.5% to $71.1 billion in 2022.
RV manufacturers and suppliers employ 113,122 in 2022, according to the report.
“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 RV Industry Association 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 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,” Kirby said. “Taxes that fund roads, bridges, education, and the parks and recreation areas our customers visit.”
The 65 million Americans who plan to go RVing this year contribute not only generally to the US economy, but to the entire 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. The previous report in 2019 cited 25 million Americans planning to go RVing, an increase in three years of 160%.
The RVs Move America Economic Impact Study includes all companies involved in the manufacture, sale, rental, repair, storage, and service of RVs, as well as in the aftermarket industry, financing, and insurance of RV purchases. The economic impact of campgrounds and trip spending during RV travel is also captured in the report.
