The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Southeastern Pennsylvania


November 16, 2010

Commissioned by the GreenSpace Alliance and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the study quantifies the value of open space in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. The study -- the first of its kind for southeastern Pennsylvania -- examines the economic benefits associated with preserved open space in four key areas: property values, the environment, recreation and health, and jobs and revenue. Perkiomen Train sign

The study was prepared by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Econsult Corporation, and Keystone Conservation Trust and aims to provide elected leaders, policymakers, and the public with a new perspective on the value of open space and help them make informed decisions about future development. The analysis builds off of a growing body of research on the economic value of open space, including previous studies conducted within the Philadelphia region, peer-reviewed academic research, and state and local data.

Approximately 300 square miles, or 14%, of the five-county region is protected open space. The study found that this area:

  • Adds $16 billion to the value of southeastern Pennsylvania's housing stock - an average property value increase of $10,000 per household;
  • Saves local governments and taxpayers more than $132 million a year in costs associated with provision of environmental services such as drinking water filtration and flood control;
  • Helps residents and businesses avoid nearly $800 million in direct and indirect medical costs as a result of recreation that takes place on protected open space;
  • Generates more than $270 million in state and local tax revenue; and
  • Supports nearly 7,000 jobs.

The estimates presented in this study are meant to provide elected officials, policy makers, and the general public with new perspective on the economic value associated with open space and to contribute to discussions about future development and preservation investments in southeastern Pennsylvania. 

For more information, please visit www.dvrpc.org.