Sales tax revenue up 2.52% in four largest Northwest cities in 2025

The four largest cities in Benton and Washington counties fell short of their sales tax revenue targets for 2025, according to end-of-year reports from the cities. Total annual tax revenue for the cities was up more than 2.5%.

In the December report, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale reported cumulative revenue of $9.805 million, down 0.19% from the prior year. For the annual report, the same cities reported cumulative sales tax totaling $116.71 million, up 2.52% compared to the same reporting period in 2024.

Springdale led the cities in percentage growth with sales tax revenue of $26.097 million, up 5.14% from 2024. The total was slightly below the 5.5% annual growth target. For December, which reflects spending in October, the city reported revenue of $2.099 million, up 0.3% from the prior year.

Rogers reported sales tax revenue of $31.501 million for the reporting year, up 2.3% but below the targeted growth of 8%.

Fayetteville reported sales tax revenue of $33.795 million for the 12 months of report, up 4.96% from the prior year. The city had budgeted for sales tax growth of 5.5% in 2025.

“The economy in Fayetteville continues to face challenges from inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions. Despite these headwinds, the city has maintained strong financial performance,” said Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn.

Bentonville reported annual sales tax revenue of $25.317 million, down 2.74% from the prior year.  Revenue was offset by rebates totaling $11.337 million, mostly associated with Walmart’s new corporate campus. The annual results were an improvement over the 9.73% decline reported in 2024.

SALES TAX REVENUE (January-December reports)
Bentonville
2025: $25.317 million
2024: $26.029 million
down 2.74%

Fayetteville
2025: $33.795 million
2024: $32.198 million
up 4.96%

Rogers
2025: $31.501 million
2024: $30.794 million
up 2.3%

Springdale
2025: $26.097 million
2024: $24.822 million
up 5.14%