So-called big box stores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot produce few tax revenues relative to their size, according to a presentation by Peter Katz, Sarasota County, Fla. Director of Smart Growth.

The presentation, picked up by various blogs, suggests that big box stores produce slightly more tax revenue per acre than a single-family home — not much considering how hard cities and counties try to lure big box retailers with tax incentives and other grants. Single family homes generate roughly $8,200 per year, and big box stores about $150 to $200 more.

The presentation also shows that the highest tax-revenue — more than $800,000 per acre — comes from a higher, mixed-use development, which makes sense because they are able to generate sales and property taxes in much less space.