Most Rio Grande Valley cities saw higher sales tax revenue in early 2026 — see the charts

More than $81 million in sales taxes were allocated across 39 Rio Grande Valley cities during the first two months of 2026, up 4.4% compared to last year. 

The city of McAllen — the region’s second largest city — remained on top for sales tax revenue, generating $21.2 million during the first two months of 2026, up 5.4% compared to last year. 

Brownsville, the largest city in the Valley, was No. 2 with $12.4 million in sales tax collected during January and February this year — up 2.9%.

Edinburg grew by 2% to $7.6 million, Harlingen grew by 8.3% to $7.5 million, while Pharr jumped by 5% over the year to $5.9 million. 

Mission collected 2.7% less in sales taxes compared to last year, and Weslaco declined by 1.2%, totaling $3.9 million. 

The largest swings in sales tax revenue were among the smallest cities. In Hidalgo County, La Grulla has about 1,200 residents, but its sales tax payments increased 111%, from $24,525 to $51,977, over the year during January and February combined. 

In the Willacy County community of Lyford, with 2,100 residents, sales tax revenue nearly doubled, from $45,280 to $67,732.

In Cameron County, Port Isabel has about 5,100 residents, and its sales tax share increased by 45% to $920,600 over the year. 

There were declines in sales taxes in La Joya, Roma, Palm Valley, Edcouch, South Padre Island, and Rio Hondo — all communities with fewer than 12,000 residents.