Index of 41 markets gives the most accurate view of office utilization across the U.S.

Chicago, IL – Global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young announced today the launch of The Office Busyness Index, an interactive dashboard that tracks mobility data for nearly 4,000 office properties across the United States – revealing that 28 of the 41 markets tracked (68%) are now busier than they were in 2023.

“The launch of Avison Young’s Office Busyness Index showcases our data-driven capabilities and enhances our client advisory. We are excited to add this interactive tool to our tech stack and provide clients with data that can drive location and portfolio strategies,” said Harry Klaff, Principal and U.S. President, Avison Young. “Our clients are interested in the utilization of buildings, how busy they are, and in determining what markets are performing well – and The Office Busyness Index has those answers.”

The Office Busyness Index tracks 41 office markets from 2019 to the present, analyzing and reporting trends based on mobility data from 41 office markets to help determine the busyness of offices across the U.S.

Top Markets to watch:

• Manhattan office utilization (at 76.6% of 2019 levels) is nearly 15% above the national average of 61% during the same period. Also of note: Manhattan activity is up 7.3% year-over-year.
• Washington DC. – up 16.4% year over year
• Silicon Valley & San Francisco Peninsula – up 13.2% year over year
• Sacramento – up 12.5% year over year

“This index is undoubtedly the most reliable indicator of office utilization in America today. Our methodology and controls are unmatched in the commercial real estate industry,” said Jennifer Rosenak, Principal, U.S. Director of Market Intelligence.  “Our Market Intelligence experts geofenced office buildings that met our strict criteria for size, use, build date, location, and occupancy. We then partnered with Placer.ai, the leader in anonymized mobility data, and applied further controls around factors such as dwell time to ensure the most accurate picture of office busyness.”

What the Office Busyness Index measures: