RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City sales tax collections continued an upward trajectory through March, posting record-breaking numbers for the month and pushing first-quarter totals past budget projections.

The March and first-quarter financial reports were shared with the Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee on Wednesday, illustrating growth across most sectors of the local economy.

Total sales tax collections through March reached more than $21 million, compared to $19.8 million during the first quarter of 2025. March collections alone brought in more than $7.7 million, setting a new record for the month.

The latest data indicates general 2% sales tax collections increased 2.4% compared to March 2025. First-quarter collections finished 5.2% above the 2026 budget projection.

Tourism sales tax collections in Rapid City remained flat for March, but first-quarter receipts stayed on trend with the budget, finishing 0.1% above projections. The first quarter historically represents the lowest tourism collection period of the year for the region.