The Tri-Cities saw almost twice as much growth in total taxable retail sales during the third quarter of 2011 as the rest of the state.

Benton County's taxable retail sales jumped to $754.7 million, 7 percent more than the same quarter in 2010, while Franklin County saw sales grow to $264.3 million, an increase of 8 percent, according to the state Department of Revenue this week.

Of the Tri-Cities, Richland saw the most growth in total taxable retail sales at 7 percent, with $246 million spent in the third quarter of 2011.

Kennewick's sales were up more than 6 percent to $397.6 million.

Pasco's grew by 4 percent to $219.7 million.

Statewide, taxable retail sales increased 3.2 percent to $27.3 billion during the third quarter of 2011 compared to year-earlier results.

Among the Tri-Cities, only Kennewick saw an increase in retail trade, up more than 5 percent to $238.5 million compared to 2010.

Pasco's sales dropped by 1 percent to $96. 2 million, while Richland saw a 3 percent decrease to about $100.6 million.

Retail trade includes only retail store sales and excludes other sectors such as construction and services.