Jonesboro, Craighead County sales tax collections improve in May

Sales and use tax collections in the city of Jonesboro ventured into slightly positive territory during the month of May but remained down when compared to the first five months of 2024.

The city collected $2.309 million during the month, a 0.9% ($21,251) increase from the same month last year, according to records released by City Hall. The uptick comes after collections were down 3.5% the previous.

For the year, Jonesboro has amassed $10.973 million in sales and use taxes, a 1.2% ($129,779) drop from 2024. The projected budget for the year is down further, however.

In May, collections versus the projected intake were down 1.6% ($36,726). For the year it’s down 2.8% ($314,672).

Sales tax figures lag by 60 dayst 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 health care, manufacturing, government, retail, agriculture and others. The city is also a nexus for those in surrounding counties seeking health care, and Arkansas State University is the region’s largest university and employer.

In Craighead County, collections were also slightly up. The county’s collected $2.657 million in May, a 0.6% ($63,000) increase from the same month last year.

For the year, Craighead County has collected $12.74 million in sales and use taxes, a 2.6% ($211,000) drop when compared to the first four months of 2024.