Visitor Spending in Iredell County Reaches $441.37 Million

Tourism continued to deliver meaningful economic benefits for Iredell County in 2025, with domestic and international visitors spending $441.37 million across the county.

According to newly released data from Visit North Carolina and Tourism Economics, visitor spending in Iredell County increased 2.8% over the previous year.

Iredell County Outpaces Statewide Growth

Iredell County was one of 59 North Carolina counties to record an increase in visitor spending during 2025.

While statewide visitor spending grew by a modest 1.3%, Iredell County’s 2.8% increase more than doubled the statewide growth rate. The results demonstrate the continued strength and resilience of our local tourism economy during a year of relatively flat performance across many destinations.

Tourism Supports Local Jobs and Businesses

Visitor spending supported 2,564 tourism-related jobs in Iredell County and generated $101.29 million in personal income during 2025.

These dollars circulated throughout the local economy as visitors stayed in area hotels, dined in restaurants, attended events, explored attractions, shopped with local businesses and experienced the many communities that make Iredell County a welcoming destination.

Visitor spending by industry included:

• $140.90 million for food and beverage
• $106.21 million for lodging
• $95.52 million for transportation
• $66.76 million for recreation
• $31.99 million for retail

Food and beverage represented the county’s largest category of visitor spending, underscoring the important role that restaurants, breweries, markets and other hospitality businesses play in the visitor experience.

Visitor Spending Strengthens the Local Tax Base

Tourism also generated significant tax revenue for state and local governments.

Visitor activity in Iredell County produced $16.19 million in state tax revenue through state sales and excise taxes and taxes on personal and corporate income.

An additional $14.38 million in local tax revenue was generated through occupancy, sales and property taxes from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Together, visitors generated $30.57 million in state and local tax revenue through their activity in Iredell County.

Tourism Benefits Iredell County Residents

The economic impact of tourism extends beyond hotels, restaurants and attractions. Visitor-generated tax revenue helps reduce the tax burden placed on local residents while supporting services and investments that contribute to the community’s quality of life.

In 2025, each Iredell County resident saved an average of $143.39 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending.

Tourism also supports amenities enjoyed by residents throughout the year, from locally owned restaurants and shops to events, recreation opportunities and cultural attractions.

A Collective Community Achievement

Iredell County’s continued tourism growth reflects the collective work of lodging properties, restaurants, attractions, event organizers, hospitality professionals, local businesses and community leaders.

Every positive visitor interaction helps strengthen the destination, encourage return visits and build awareness of everything Statesville and Iredell County have to offer.

The Statesville Tourism Development Authority remains committed to promoting the area, supporting its tourism partners and pursuing opportunities that strengthen Iredell County’s position as a welcoming and competitive North Carolina destination.

The 2025 visitor impact data comes from “The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties,” an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina and prepared by Tourism Economics.