Cross-Section Studies of Recreation Expenditures in the United States

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Abstract
This paper examines factors influencing recreation expenditures by households in the United States. In particular, the impact of various household characteristics on recreation expenditures is investigated using data from the 1972–73 Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey. The results indicate that income plays a major role in concert with demographic characteristics in determining household expenditures on recreation. Recreation expenditures were positively related to income and education, and negatively related to age of household head. Households headed by blacks and households with young children spent less on recreation than other households. Location also proved to be a significant variable with urban households spending proportionately more on recreation expenditures than rural households. The results should be useful to recreation planners and providers of recreation services by providing information concerning the demand and projected demand for recreation services under different economic and demographic conditions.