Benton and Franklin counties’ taxable retail sales followed the state trend and grew 8.9 percent in the first three months of 2016, topping $1.2 billion.

Benton County’s sales grew to $864 million, or 10.4 percent, and Franklin County’s to $323 million, or 8.3 percent.

Richland’s taxable retail sales for the first quarter of the year increased 10.3 percent, or $271 million. Kennewick’s increased 8.4 percent, or $455.8 million and Pasco’s 7.8 percent, or $278.8 million.

The state’s taxable retail sales increased 8.9 percent, to $32 billion. Statewide, retail trade, a subset of all taxable retail sales, rose 5.1 percent to $13.9 billion.

Sales reported by new and used auto dealers increased 9.7 percent, reaching $3 billion. Benton County reported sales of $88.2 million, a 12 percent increase, and Franklin County $57.5 million, a 27 percent increase.

Construction sales, which includes construction of buildings, heavy construction and highways and special trade contractors, totaled $142.5 million in Benton County and $42.8 million in Franklin County.

The state Department of Revenue’s quarterly business review compares the same quarter year-over-year to equalize any seasonal effects that would influence consumer and business spending decisions, according to the state.

The state uses business tax return data to create this quarterly report. Businesses are categorized under the U.S. Census Bureau’s classification system based on their primary taxable activity. The North American Industry Classification System, or NAICS, is the same method federal statistical agencies use for the purpose of analyzing economic data.