We have two means of analyzing the local economy- unemployment and sales tax revenue, which is proportional to gross sales receipts.  The sales tax revenue is not 100% reflective of all sales since some items are taxed, some items are not, some items are taxed at one rate and others at another rate, and tax on some local items may have a maximum amount which is taxed.  Nonetheless, the pattern from month to month, and year to year is a good indicator of how the local economy is running.  The data is taken by adding the state sales tax with the local sales tax.  Bear in mind we had a state sales tax increase in 2002 and these figures are not adjusted to inflation.