Virginia Timber Industry: Key Facts & Data (2026)

Virginia’s timber and forest products sector remains one of the Commonwealth’s most powerful economic engines—supporting more than 100,000 jobs, contributing over $21 billion annually, and covering nearly two‑thirds of the state’s land base, making it one of the Commonwealth’s most powerful economic and environmental assets.

1. Forest Land Base

  • 62% of Virginia is forested — roughly 16 million acres.
  • Virginia’s forests are 91% privately owned, making private landowners essential to supply, sustainability, and industry stability.

2. Economic Impact

Overall Industry Value

  • The forestry and forest products sector contribute over $21 billion per year to Virginia’s economy.
  • It is consistently ranked as Virginia’s 3rd-largest private sector industry.

Employment

  • The industry supports more than 108,000 jobs across logging, trucking, milling, manufacturing, and related services.

Manufacturing Output (Wood Products)

  • Wood products manufacturing alone generate $2.7+ billion in annual output (2023 IMPLAN data).
  • Direct employment in wood products manufacturing: 15,178 jobs, with 39,420 total when including indirect and induced jobs.

3. Logging, Mills & Wood Products

  • Virginia hosts dozens of sawmills engineered wood plants, treatment facilities, and millwork operations.
  • The state’s strategic Mid‑Atlantic location provides fast access to ports, rail, and interstates, making it a hub for domestic and export markets.

Exports

  • Lumber, wood chips, and paper products are major contributors to Virginia’s global trade footprint.

4. Environmental & Sustainability Impact

  • Forests play a critical role in watershed protection, erosion control, and air quality improvement.
  • Virginia’s forestry programs emphasize voluntary, non‑regulatory stewardship, forest health, and wildfire prevention.

5. Wildfire & Forest Health

  • The Virginia Department of Forestry invests heavily in wildfire suppression, prescribed fire, and forest health management.
  • FY2024 state and federal cooperative forestry programs totaled $16.4 million in investments.

6. Industry Strengths in 2026

  • Stable, sustainable timber supply due to strong private landowner participation.
  • Growing demand for biomass, packaging, engineered wood, and mass timber.
  • Competitive business climate attracting wood products manufacturers.
  • Strong advocacy and representation through groups like VLA, ALC, SFI, and state forestry partners.