The city of Salina demonstrated robust economic momentum with a 5.2% increase in local sales tax collections for July 2025, reaching $1,542,424.65 compared to $1,466,004.41 in July 2024, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Saline County overall posted similarly strong growth of 5.3%, collecting $1,932,335.27, up from $1,835,872.62, significantly outpacing the statewide decline and highlighting the region's economic resilience during challenging summer conditions.
Salina's performance was particularly impressive as it exceeded the statewide sales tax growth of 6.4%, which saw collections rise to $119,322,195.51 in July 2025 from $112,122,940.39 in July 2024. The city's $76,420.24 increase in revenue reflects the strength of its retail and commercial base.
Comparing Salina and Saline County's results to neighboring areas reveals exceptional regional performance:
- McPherson County (1.5% tax rate) saw solid growth of 6.8%, collecting $782,599.33 in July 2025, up from $733,059.21. The county's $49,540.12 increase was strong, though smaller in absolute terms than Saline's gains. The city of McPherson contributed significantly with a 7.0% increase, collecting $329,021.57, up from $307,384.21, demonstrating the strength of smaller regional centers.
- Riley County (0.7% tax rate), by contrast, posted a modest 1.8% increase to $648,303.88 from $636,805.28 in July 2024. While positive, Riley's $11,498.60 gain was substantially lower than both Saline and McPherson counties, despite Manhattan's larger economic base centered around Kansas State University.
- Dickinson County (1.75% tax rate) and Abilene showed continued momentum from tourism and heritage attractions, though specific July comparisons highlight the varied nature of regional economic drivers across central Kansas.
Salina's 5.2% growth and Saline County's 5.3% increase fell slightly short of the statewide 6.4% increase in sales tax collections, but generated substantially larger revenue totals than most regional competitors. Both Salina and the broader county trailed the statewide growth rate while still exceeding McPherson's strong performance. Salina's collections ($1,542,424.65) dwarfed those of comparable regional centers.
The consistent strength shown by both Salina and Saline County demonstrates solid economic fundamentals, even as growth rates moderated compared to the robust statewide average.
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