UPPER CUMBERLAND – Sales tax collections in the Upper Cumberland are off to a strong start in 2015. The region saw a 15.4 percent increase over last year’s numbers – more than double the state’s increase during that same time frame.
Ten of the region’s 14 counties saw double-digit gains, including the UC’s three largest collectors, Putnam (17.3), Cumberland (15.5) and Warren (12.6). Also up were Pickett (43.8), Macon (23.4), Van Buren (20.0), Overton (16.2), Cannon (14.5), Smith (14.5) and Fentress (13.0). Others with increases included White (9.9), Clay (7.9), DeKalb (6.4) and Jackson (0.4).
Collections, which are considered just one measure of economic activity, are based on state sales taxes; local option taxes are excluded. Sales data lags by one month; for example, February numbers reflect January activity.
| Counties | February | Year prior | Percent change |
| Cannon | $285,990 | $249,826 | 14.5 |
| Clay | $170,168 | $157,666 | 7.9 |
| Cumberland | $3,209,843 | $2,779,392 | 15.5 |
| DeKalb | $766,254 | $719,978 | 6.4 |
| Fentress | $592,968 | $524,609 | 13.0 |
| Jackson | $139,329 | $138,793 | 0.4 |
| Macon | $892,177 | $722,753 | 23.4 |
| Overton | $690,747 | $594,281 | 16.2 |
| Pickett | $148,249 | $103,097 | 43.8 |
| Putnam | $7,085,411 | $6,040,796 | 17.3 |
| Smith | $769,680 | $672,297 | 14.5 |
| Van Buren | $79,887 | $66,596 | 20.0 |
| Warren | $1,862,983 | $1,654,860 | 12.6 |
| White | $990,555 | $901,674 | 9.9 |
| UCDD | $17,684,241 | $15,326,618 | 15.4 |
| TN | $559,291,000 | $519,697,000 | 7.6 |
Source: Compiled by the Upper Cumberland Development District from data published by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
