New state sales tax numbers show Kingsville improving this month even as county-wide revenue falls nearly 19%
By Kingsville Independent News Staff
AUSTIN — State sales tax revenue totaled $4.5 billion in November, according to a statewide monthly sales tax revenue allocation report released by Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock this week, showing a 5.4% increase compared with November 2024. Because most of November revenue reflects October sales, Hancock said the report signals continued economic expansion across much of Texas.
“State sales tax collections showed strong growth last month compared with November 2024,” Hancock said. “Results from nearly all major economic sectors were positive, as the Texas economy continues broad-based expansion at a moderate pace.”
Local impact: Kingsville up nearly 5% this month, slightly down year-to-date
Local sales tax distributions also arrived this week, giving cities and counties a snapshot of economic activity in the Coastal Bend and South Texas region.
Kingsville
- Net payment this period: $583,272.80
- Comparable payment last year: $555,701.50
- Monthly change: +4.96%
Kingsville saw solid growth for this distribution month. However, the city remains slightly below last year’s pace overall:
- YTD 2025: $5,987,349.51
- YTD 2024: $6,007,784.16
- YTD change: –0.34%
Kleberg County
Kleberg County experienced the sharpest decline in this month’s comparison:
- Net payment: $227,190.38
- Comparable last year: $279,851.23
- Change: –18.81%
Year-to-date, the county remains down 6.78%, reflecting a slower pace compared with the previous year.
Other area cities
- Bishop: +3.04% monthly; +6.14% YTD
- Falfurrias: +10.93% monthly; +10.06% YTD
- Premont: +19.48% monthly; +9.09% YTD
- Corpus Christi: +1.85% monthly; +1.56% YTD
Premont recorded the region’s highest monthly jump, while Falfurrias continued a strong year-long upward trend.
What this means for local communities
Sales tax revenue can be an indicator of how much residents and visitors are spending on retail, dining, and services. For cities like Kingsville, these funds help support general city services, infrastructure, public safety, and community projects.
While Kingsville posted growth this month, its slight year-to-date decline suggests spending patterns remain relatively steady but not significantly above last year’s levels. Kleberg County’s larger drop may reflect shifts in regional spending or economic activity outside city limits.
Kingsville Independent News will continue tracking monthly allocations to help residents and businesses understand local economic trends.
Statewide, economic sectors show mixed trends
Sectors tied to business activity saw broad increases. Mining posted its strongest year-over-year growth in two years, while construction and manufacturing also rose compared with last fall. Wholesale trade dipped slightly following what Hancock called “a very strong gain” the prior month.
Consumer-driven industries also performed well.
- Retail trade increased more than 3% statewide.
- Electronic shopping — the largest retail subsector — surged by more than 10%.
- Restaurant receipts rose by more than 2%, though comparisons to food-away-from-home inflation were not available.
Overall, statewide sales tax revenue for the three months ending in November was up 4.4% compared with the same period in 2024. Sales tax remains the state’s largest revenue source, accounting for 58% of all tax collections.
Other state tax collections
In November, Texas also collected:
- Motor vehicle sales and rental taxes: $582 million (down 1%)
- Motor fuel taxes: $353 million (up 2%)
- Oil production tax: $413 million (down 15%)
- Natural gas production tax: $169 million (up 7%)
- Hotel occupancy tax: $78 million (up 4%)
- Alcoholic beverage taxes: $155 million (down 1%)
These mixed results reflect fluctuations in global energy markets, travel spending, and statewide consumer behavior.