Most Valley cities saw sales tax growth in 2025. See where yours stands.

Sales tax allocations for most Rio Grande Valley cities increased in 2025, reflecting steady consumer spending across the region, according to data from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Sales tax allocation activity is a key economic indicator because it reflects ow much local governments receive from the state for their share of retail purchases and rental activity. The figures are widely used by cities as a high-frequency indicator of local economic health.

The Rio Grande Valley has historically benefited from cross-border shopping by Mexican nationals, although that activity now represents a smaller share of total collections than in past decades as the region’s population and retail base have expanded.

Across the Valley, several small and mid-sized cities posted double-digit year-over-year growth in 2025. La Grulla in Starr County recorded the largest percentage increase, rising 18.7% from $125,573 to $149,112.

Port Isabel in Cameron County posted the second-largest gain, increasing 15.8% from $3.6 million to $4.2 million.

Laguna Vista followed with a 13% increase to $423,348, while Bayview grew 12.3% to $41,223. Both are also in Cameron County.

In Hidalgo County, Edinburg’s allocation increased 11.8% in 2025, rising from $38.5 million to $43 million.

San Juan’s share rose 10% to $7.4 million.

McAllen received the largest check for sales tax allocation at $99 million, up 3.2% between 2024 and 2025. 

Brownsville’s allocation increased 3.4% to $62 million. 

Harlingen recorded a 6.6% increase to $36.7 million.

Mission hit $28.9 million, a 4.1% increase.

Weslaco grew by 4.5% to $21 million.