Impacts of Tourism
Tourism is more than a leisure activity. It is a vital driver of Boone County’s economy and quality of life. Visitors support local businesses, create jobs for residents, generate tax revenue for essential public services, and help reduce the tax burden on local households.
The following information is drawn from a 2024 report by Rockport Analytics commissioned by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and highlights how visitor spending strengthens Boone County’s economy, workforce, and community.
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Tourism by the Numbers (2024 Snapshot)
$80.7 million in total visitor spending
$39.3 million in new net value added
738 jobs supported by tourism
$23.8 million in total wages paid to local workers
$14.1 million in total federal, state, and local tax revenue generated
Tourism continues to be a reliable and growing contributor to Boone County’s economic health. Seeing a 15.7% growth from 2023 to 2024, tourism is the 13th largest industry in Boone County, 12th when government employment is excluded.
For every dollar spent by visitors, 49 cents stayed local and contributed directly to the gross county product in 2024.
Boone County was the 4th fastest-growing county statewide for tourism spending.
Visitor Spending Fuels the Local Economy
In 2024, visitors spent $80.7 million on goods and services across Boone County. This spending generated $39.3 million in net new value added, strengthening the county’s overall economic output.
Where Visitor Dollars Were Spent
- Shopping: $25.3 million
- Food & Beverage: $15.7 million
- Entertainment & Recreation: $15.7 million
- Lodging: $13.3 million
- Transportation: $10.8 million
Jobs and Wages Supported by Tourism
Tourism is an important source of employment and income for Boone County.
- 738 jobs supported by visitor spending
- 572 direct tourism jobs in lodging, dining, retail, and entertainment
- Tourism accounts for approximately 1.3% of all jobs in Boone County
- $23.8 million in total wages paid to local workers
Boone County’s Statewide Tourism Performance
Boone County continues to perform strongly compared to other Indiana destinations:
- 36th out of 92 counties in total visitor spending
- $1,024 in tourism sales per capita
- 15.7% growth in visitor spending in 2024
- 4th fastest-growing county statewide for tourism spending
This growth reflects increasing visitor demand and Boone County’s expanding appeal as a destination.
Tourism Generates Tax Revenue for Public Services
Visitor spending helps fund government services at all levels while reducing the tax burden on local residents.
- $4.8 million in federal taxes generated, up 11.8% from 2023
- $9.3 million in state and local taxes generated, an increase of $1.2 million from 2023
- $14.1 million in total tax revenue from tourism
Approximately 12¢ of every visitor dollar goes directly toward state and local taxes. Tourism-generated state and local tax revenue directly supports Indiana’s public education system and other essential services. Social security and personal income together account for two-thirds of federal tax dollars raised by Boone County tourism.
In 2024, the state and local tax revenue generated by visitor spending was enough to support approximately 702 Indiana public school students and fund the equivalent of roughly 161 public school teachers. These contributions help maintain classrooms, support educators, and fund other essential community services, ensuring that tourism strengthens both the local economy and the quality of life for Boone County residents.
Tourism Helps Keep Local Taxes Lower
In 2024, the state and local tax revenue generated by visitor spending meant that residents did not have to cover the full cost of public services themselves. Without tourism, each of the county’s 27,948 households would need to pay an additional $333 per year to maintain current levels of services. By generating this revenue, tourism shifts a portion of the financial burden from residents to visitors, helping fund schools, infrastructure, public safety, and other essential community services.
Continued investment in tourism supports a stronger, more resilient Boone County that benefs residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
