Share of U.S. population engaged in leisure and sports per day 2010-2023
Between 2010 and 2023, the average percentage of the U.S. population engaged in sports and leisure activities per day fluctuated. In 2023, the share of both men and women engaged in such activities decreased from the previous year. Approximately 95.5 percent of men were engaged in sport and leisure activities that year, and that figure was 92.7 percent for women. Over the past decade, the year when women were engaged in sport and leisure activities the most was 2021. Meanwhile, the year when men were engaged in sport and leisure activities the most was 2012.
How many hours do Americans spend on sports and leisure activities?
On average, the number of hours that Americans spent on leisure and sports during weekdays and weekends remained relatively consistent from 2009 to 2023. On weekends and holidays, Americans spent around six hours each day on sports and leisure activities. In contrast, that figure decreased to around four hours on weekdays. The year when Americans spent the most time on sports and leisure activities during weekdays was in 2020, and this was most likely due to stay-at-home measures relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Which age group spends the most time on sports and leisure activities in the U.S.?
How much time people can allocate to leisure and recreational activities depends on a variety of factors, ranging from demanding work schedules to familial responsibilities. In 2023, the U.S age group that spent the most time on leisure and sports was 75 years and older. On average, Americans who were 75 years and older spent 7.57 hours on leisure and sports. Meanwhile, Americans aged 35 to 44 spent fewer than four hours on such activities. Following this trend, Americans who were employed part-time allocated more time to sports and leisure in 2023 than Americans who were employed full-time.
