Sales tax revenue growth almost flat in Northwest Arkansas

Consumer spending in Benton and Washington counties was lighter in February among the region’s four largest cities, with combined tax revenue totaling $8.417 million in the April report, up 0.46%.

The region’s two largest retail centers in Fayetteville and Rogers each reported revenue declines for the month. The lackluster regional growth comes on the heels of a 13.3% revenue gain reported in the March report, and a 7.91% gain in the February report.

Sales tax revenue declined 4.28% in the April report for Rogers, which followed 20.3% lower revenue reported in March. In the comparable month a year ago, revenue was down 0.23% for the city. Through the first four months of reports, Rogers has collected sales tax revenue of $10.032 million, down 1.76% from the same period last year.

Bentonville is off to a better start in 2025. The city reported revenue of $1.919 million for the month, up 3.04%. In the comparable period a year ago, revenue was down 8.88%. Through the first four months sales tax revenue totals $9.808 million, up 20% over the same period last year. The city has added $1.648 million more in revenue over a year ago.

Springdale is also having a better year, with the top percentage growth for the month at 6.06%. Revenue for the month totaled $1.995 million, boosting the city’s till by $114,000 over the same month last year. Mayor Doug Sprouse said consumers are fickle, but they continue to spend on things and experiences. Springdale’s tax revenue for the four reporting months totals $8.519 million, up 9.09% from a year ago.

Fayetteville may be the largest city by population when counting the University of Arkansas students, but it’s also the slowest growing in terms of sales tax revenue growth. For the month, Fayetteville’s revenue totaled $2.475 million, down 1.66% from a year ago when revenue rose 4.32%. April was the first report this year where revenue dipped below the year-ago gains. Fayetteville has added $10.867 million in sales tax revenue through the first four reporting months of this year, up 3.41% from a year ago.

SALES TAX REVENUE  (January – April)
Bentonville
2025: $9.808 million
2024: $8.160 million
up 20.19%

Fayetteville
2025: $10.867 million
2024: $10.509 million
up 3.41%

Rogers
2025: $10.032 million
2024: $10.212 million
down 1.76%

Springdale
2025: $8.519 million
2024: $7.809 million
up 9.09%