Downtown Visitor Trends – October 2025
Out-of-market visitation to Downtown Asheville totaled 595,000 in October, similar to October 2023’s 598,400 and up from September 2025’s 462,700. Non-resident visits reached 1.2 million, consistent with October 2023 levels and continuing an upward trend from late summer.
The extended downtown workforce was estimated at 14,200, a modest decline from 15,800 two years ago, while the resident population remained stable at 2,300.
Following Hurricane Helene, October 2024 saw unusually low visitation, so year-over-year comparisons with last year show very large increases. Looking at the longer-term pattern, however, October 2025 more accurately represents a return to typical fall visitation patterns. This return to normal autumn activity is a very good sign for downtown, suggesting renewed stability and a sense of normalcy for visitors and local businesses alike.
Visitor activity was highest between 12 PM and 7 PM, with weekends continuing to draw the largest crowds.
This data was crafted thanks to the information collected through the Asheville Downtown Improvement District. We’ll keep tracking these trends to help shape events, support our local businesses, and keep downtown thriving. Click on the link below to review the data that informs these insights.
