Analysis
NAICS 712190 is the 2022 national industry for nature parks and other similar institutions, part of 71219 (Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions). Census lists 15 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 797 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 8,860 people at an average annual payroll of $47,003 per employee (14th percentile of national industries). 52% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 17% and employment rose 14%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include bird sanctuaries, caverns (i.e., natural wonder tourist attractions), conservation areas and interpretive centers, nature, among 15 in all.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 114210, 7211 and 924120. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, operating commercial hunting or fishing preserves without accommodations (e.g., game farms) are classified in 114210 (Hunting and Trapping) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the preservation and exhibition of natural areas or settings.
Illustrative Examples:
Bird or wildlife sanctuaries Natural wonder tourist attractions (e.g., caverns, waterfalls) Conservation areas Nature centers or preserves National parks
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Operating commercial hunting or fishing preserves without accommodations (e.g., game farms) | 114210 Hunting and Trapping |
| Operating commercial hunting, fishing, or nature preserves combined with accommodations | 7211 Traveler Accommodation |
| Government establishments primarily engaged in administering natural areas | 924120 Administration of Conservation Programs |
Index entries (15)
- Bird sanctuaries
- Caverns (i.e., natural wonder tourist attractions)
- Conservation areas
- Interpretive centers, nature
- National parks
- Natural wonder tourist attractions (e.g., caverns, waterfalls)
- Nature centers
- Nature parks
- Nature preserves
- Nature reserves
- Parks, national
- Parks, nature
- Provincial parks
- Waterfalls (i.e., natural wonder tourist attractions)
- Wildlife sanctuaries