$4 billion in taxable sales show booming Whatcom County economy

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Whatcom County leads a huge increase in Washington’s taxable retail sales.

The Department of Revenue reports the state hit $155.3 billion in 2017 taxable retail sales. Whatcom County contributed more than $4 billion, a 9.2% increase from last year.

Of the most populated counties in the state, Whatcom and Clark counties had the largest taxable retail sales percentage increase.

Taxable retail sales include sales by retailers, the construction industry, manufacturing and other sectors.

Construction boomed this year, contributing more than $30 billion statewide.