In the 1970s, Natchitoches experienced an economic downturn that resulted in a sixty-five percent vacancy in the commercial district. However, because of efforts to revitalize the city, vacancy is now around one percent.
The Port of Natchitoches--a river port on the Red River--is located off of the east bound part of U.S. Route 84 just outside Natchitoches. The port exports lumber from stockyards onsite, as Forestry is a large industry in the area as well.
The Natchitoches Regional Airport serves cities (via FBO) such as Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, New Orleans, Monroe, and Shreveport. It is also adjacent to Northwestern State University; together they offer state-of-the-art flight training. Currently the airport is being renovated to become one of the country's most advanced non-towered airports.
The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is also based here. They handle over 6 species of fish and other wildlife.
The city has to do little to promote its tourism industry, which brings a host of business during the holiday seasons of Christmas and New Year's. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a well known celebration of the holidays for locals.
Since completion of Interstate 49, many business have either moved or have been built outside the city's central area. Gas stations and hotels have developed in this area and serve many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival visitors.
Pecans are a staple of the area with a 400-acre (1.6 km2) pecan orchard located on the old Little Eva Plantation.
Natchitoches is an economic hub for the rest of the parish.
In 1998 Natchitoches was named one of the top six places in the United States to retire by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine.