2025 Visitor Spending in Iredell County Reaches $441.37 Million
County records 2.8% growth, more than double North Carolina’s statewide growth rate
Domestic and international visitors to and within Iredell County spent $441.37 million in 2025, an increase of 2.8% from 2024. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Iredell County was one of 59 North Carolina counties to record growth in visitor spending during 2025. The county’s 2.8% increase was more than double North Carolina’s statewide growth rate of 1.3%.
“Tourism continues to play an important role in Iredell County’s economic growth,” said Randy DuTeau, Executive Director of Visit Mooresville. “We appreciate the hospitality partners and community leaders whose work helps make Iredell County a place visitors want to experience again and again.”
“Visitor spending is money flowing directly into Iredell County businesses, supporting local jobs, strengthening our tax base and improving quality of life for the people who call this community home,” said Cindy Sutton, Executive Director of the Statesville Tourism Development Authority. “Reaching more than $441 million in annual visitor spending reflects the strength of our hospitality partners and the growing appeal of Statesville and Iredell County. It also reinforces why continued investment in tourism promotion and destination development matters to our entire community.”
Tourism Impact Highlights for 2025
• The travel and tourism industry directly employed 2,564 people in Iredell County.
• Tourism generated $101.29 million in personal income in Iredell County.
• State tax revenue generated in Iredell County totaled $16.19 million through state sales and excise taxes and taxes on personal and corporate income.
• Local taxes generated from occupancy, sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses totaled $14.38 million.
• Each Iredell County resident saved an average of $143.39 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending. Savings per capita statewide averaged approximately $244.
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
These statistics come from The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2025, available at VisitNC.com/economic-impact. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.
North Carolina Visitor Impact
Statewide, visitor spending rose 1.3% in 2025 to reach a record $37.2 billion. Direct tourism employment increased 0.3% to 230,997. Fifty-nine percent of North Carolina counties experienced increases in visitor spending from 2024 to 2025, while 14% recorded flat performance.
“As much as we’d love to see growth in each of our 100 counties, the study confirms the vitality of North Carolina’s tourism economy,” said Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina. “With the approach of the two-year milestone of Hurricane Helene, we can draw inspiration from mountain counties that have experienced a turnaround as we continue the effort to see every destination reach higher ground.”
Noting the economic uncertainties that have been present since the pandemic, Tuttell encouraged state residents and tourism leaders alike to spread the message about the rewards of North Carolina travel.
“Those who take trips to and within North Carolina are elevated by the authenticity of what they experience,” Tuttell said. “Our culture, our cuisine and our vast outdoor wonders not only bring pleasure. They also serve as an economic engine that makes our lives better.”
North Carolina Tourism Facts
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- Total spending by domestic and international visitors reached $37.2 billion in 2025, a 1.3% increase over 2024.
- Domestic travelers spent a record $36.1 billion, up 1.5% from $35.6 billion in 2024.
- International travelers spent $1.1 billion, down 2.8% from the previous year.
- Visitors generated more than $4.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes, a 2.5% increase from 2024.
- State tax receipts rose 2% to nearly $1.4 billion, while local tax receipts grew 2.6% to more than $1.3 billion.
- Direct tourism employment increased 0.3% to 230,997, and direct tourism payroll increased 3.5% to $9.8 billion.
- Visitors spent more than $101 million per day in North Carolina, adding $7.5 million per day to state and local tax revenues.
- Each North Carolina household saved an average of $605 in state and local taxes because of visitor spending. Savings per capita averaged approximately $244.
About Visit Mooresville
Visit Mooresville is the official destination marketing organization for the Town of Mooresville, North Carolina. The organization is dedicated to promoting Mooresville as a vibrant destination for leisure travelers, sports events, business meetings and group tours. Known for its proximity to Lake Norman and its deep motorsports heritage, Mooresville, nicknamed “Race City USA,” offers a blend of Southern charm, outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality.
About the Statesville Tourism Development Authority
The Statesville Tourism Development Authority is the public authority responsible for promoting travel and tourism in Statesville, North Carolina. Through destination marketing, partnerships and visitor-focused initiatives, the Authority works to increase visitation, support the local hospitality industry and strengthen tourism’s contribution to the community’s economy and quality of life.
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