JACKSONVILLE, AL — The City of Jacksonville saw the greatest increase in tax revenue among all Calhoun County municipalities in 2024, according to newly released state data. The city experienced a 13 percent risein tax revenue, jumping from $11.8 million in 2023 to $13.35 million last year—an increase of approximately $1.5 million.
The figures were presented by Dr. Mark Hearn, associate dean of Jacksonville State University’s College of Business and Industry, during the annual Calhoun County Economic Forum in late February. Jacksonville’s revenue growth significantly outpaced the next highest-ranked city, which saw an increase of about 5.5 percent over the same period.
“Jacksonville is one of the big jumps,” Hearn noted during his presentation, which was part of a program organized by JSU and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center. “They’re operating at a whole new level.”
A significant portion of Jacksonville’s revenue increase came from sales and use tax, which rose to $11.5 million in 2024, up from $10.4 million the previous year. Additionally, Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT)—which enables the state to collect and distribute sales tax revenue from online and out-of-state retailers—generated $1.18 million, marking an increase of $146,000 from 2023. Lodging taxes also saw an uptick, increasing by approximately $62,000.
Jacksonville City Council President Tony Taylor attributed the surge in revenue to the city’s strong local economy and consumer habits.
“Local people stayed local, shopped local, and bought their goods and services here in town,” Taylor said. “And that’s not only residents of Jacksonville, but also those from surrounding areas who come here to shop.”
With Jacksonville’s economic momentum continuing to build, city officials and business leaders are optimistic about future growth and investment opportunities in the region.
