Demographics

Americans have always enjoyed the great outdoors. And more and more Americans have come to realize that there's no better way to experience everything that "America the Beautiful" has to offer than in a recreational vehicle. No wonder the RV industry is stronger now than at any other time in its history.

In the next 10 years, the number of RV-owning households will rise from 9 million to 10.4 million, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). That's a 15% increase in ownership during a period when population growth is less than 5%! Positive demographic and economic factors are creating record sales of RVs of all types.

The overall U.S. population is getting older, and people are entering the RV market at a younger age. In this decade, an average of 12,000 Baby Boomers per day will turn 50. What's more, ownership of RVs among 45- to 54-year-olds, the core of the Baby Boom generation, has risen 25% since 1993. That's more of an increase than in any other age group. Meanwhile, life expectancy is also increasing, lengthening an individual's years of active RVing. The bottom line? The total population in the RV segment is growing at a rate never seen before.

Ninety percent of RV owners also maintain a fixed residence in addition to their RV. The industry expects the Baby Boom generation to reach peak RV purchasing age during the next decade. This will result in dramatically increased RV unit sales, rentals and demand for related services -- including RV campgrounds.

The RV market is a large, dynamic, growing market. It's also a rapidly changing market. The stereotypical view of RVers and their rigs must be quickly discarded in order to make the most of the changes reshaping us all. The RVer will be a vital participant in the active lifestyle of the coming years.