The city of Salina continued its impressive growth trajectory with a 7.7% increase in local sales tax collections for August 2025, reaching $1,459,023.32 compared to $1,354,864.57 in August 2024, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Saline County overall posted nearly identical strong growth of 7.9%, collecting $1,838,936.65, up from $1,703,852.32, demonstrating the region's sustained economic vitality and consumer confidence throughout the summer months.
Salina's $104,158.75 increase in revenue reflects the continued strength of its diversified economic base, anchored by regional retail centers, healthcare facilities, and agricultural services that serve north-central Kansas. The city's performance represents consistent growth from its July results, indicating sustained momentum rather than a temporary spike.
Comparing Salina and Saline County's results to neighboring areas reveals the region's competitive advantages:
- Riley County (0.7% tax rate) struggled in August, posting a 2.8% decline to $611,793.55 from $629,656.74 in August 2024. This $17,863.19 decrease contrasts sharply with Saline County's robust gains and highlights the different economic trajectories of the two regions. Manhattan, despite its larger population base, saw modest 3.7% growth to $2,214,679.47, significantly trailing Salina's percentage gains.
- Dickinson County (1.75% tax rate) showed solid but more moderate growth of 4.5%, collecting $419,602.67 compared to $401,346.25 in August 2024. The city of Abilene continued its strong tourism-driven performance with an impressive 12.3% increase to $106,865.06, up from $95,173.05, bolstered by continued visitor interest in heritage attractions and presidential library tourism.
- McPherson city (1.25% rate) faced challenges with a 6.8% decline, collecting $293,687.20 compared to $315,270.85 in August 2024. This $21,583.65 decrease underscores the varied economic conditions across regional centers, with Salina significantly outperforming this comparable central Kansas community.
Salina's 7.7% growth and Saline County's 7.9% increase positioned the region among the strongest performers in central Kansas for August 2025. Both figures substantially exceeded the more modest growth seen in Manhattan (3.7%) and Dickinson County (4.5%), while dramatically outpacing the declines experienced in Riley County and McPherson.
