Retail and service growth fuels state gains, while local numbers show a mixed trend
Statewide sales tax revenue in Texas continued its upward trend in April, offering a positive snapshot of the economy, even as local figures across Terry County show a more mixed picture.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock reported that the state collected $4.7 billion in sales tax revenue in April 2026, marking a 9.8 percent increase compared to April 2025. The majority of that revenue comes from sales made in March.
“Overall state sales tax collections grew by nearly 10 percent last month, with growth much higher than the rate of general price inflation for a second consecutive month,” Hancock said. “Results from all major economic sectors were once again positive. Compared with March collections when business spending showed the strongest growth, the growth in April collections was led by large gains from sectors driven mainly by consumer spending.”
According to Hancock, much of the statewide growth was fueled by strong consumer spending. Retail trade and service sectors both posted double-digit gains, with a notable surge in spending on live entertainment. Big box retailers, warehouse clubs, and online shopping platforms led the way, while clothing, electronics, and appliance stores also saw strong performance. Restaurant receipts increased 4.2 percent year-over-year, outpacing inflation in food-away-from-home costs.
Business-related sectors also contributed to the growth, particularly construction, wholesale trade, and manufacturing, while the mining sector remained relatively flat. Overall, total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in April 2026 rose 7.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Sales tax remains the largest source of state revenue, accounting for 58 percent of all tax collections.
At the local level, however, the numbers tell a more varied story.
In Brownfield, sales tax collections for the reporting period totaled $145,787.28, down 11.99 percent from $165,663.32 during the same time last year. Year-to-date collections stand at $635,057.78, a slight 0.82 percent decrease from $640,308.47 at this point in 2025. While the monthly decline is noticeable, the year-to-date figures suggest overall stability in the local economy.
Other cities in Terry County saw increases during the same reporting period. Meadow reported $1,492.10 in collections, a 19.45 percent increase over last year. Year-to-date, Meadow has collected $7,986.03, up 10.56 percent from the same point in 2025. Wellman posted one of the largest percentage gains, with $988.22 collected this period, reflecting a 65.58 percent increase year-over-year. Year-to-date totals for Wellman reached $5,218.09, up 23.23 percent.
Terry County as a whole showed strong growth, bringing in $73,892.48 for the month, a 39.60 percent increase compared to $52,930.65 last year. Year-to-date collections for the county total $307,544.71, up significantly from $254,874.42 in 2025.
The contrast between statewide growth and local variation highlights how broader economic momentum does not always translate evenly across smaller communities. While consumer spending remains strong across Texas, local factors continue to shape how that growth is reflected in cities like Brownfield and across Terry County.
Texas collected the following revenue from other major taxes:
- motor vehicle sales and rental taxes — $575 million, up 42 percent from April 2025;
- motor fuel taxes — $342 million, up 1 percent from April 2025;
- oil production tax — $567 million, up 30 percent from April 2025;
- natural gas production tax — $223 million, down 4 percent from April 2025;
- hotel occupancy tax — $90 million, up 7 percent from April 2025; and
- alcoholic beverage taxes — $163 million, up less than 1 percent from April 2025.