Tax collections surge in Jonesboro in January

Sales and use tax collections in the city of Jonesboro surged out of the gate for the month of January. The city collected $2.3178 million, an 8.6% ($183,000) increase when compared to the same month in 2023, according to records released by City Hall.

Jonesboro set its all-time sales tax collection record in 2023, but it fell short of overall budget projections. This year is starting out much better in that regard. The city collected 5.1% ($113,000) more than its anticipated budget.

Sales tax figures lag by 60 days meaning the numbers released were collected two months prior. Economists consider sales tax collections as a leading economic indicator, one that can show how a local economy can be expected to perform in the short-term.

Northeast Arkansas’ hub city has a diversified workforce that has helped it to withstand national economic downturns in recent decades, according to officials.

That diverse mix of jobs include healthcare, manufacturing, government, retail, agriculture and others. The city also is a nexus for those in surrounding counties seeking healthcare, and Arkansas State University is the region’s largest university and employer.

Craighead County had a strong first month in terms of collections as well. The county collected $2.678 million in sales and use tax, a 9.8% ($239,000) increase from the same month last year. It’s the most sales and use tax ever collected in the month of January for both the city and the county.