Kent County historically has been viewed as fiscally sound. And according to rating agencies S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service, every year since 1999 the County has received the highest credit ratings possible. This year, both agencies affirmed the long-term Triple-A credit ratings, marking the 19th consecutive year of this distinction. Credit ratings from these agencies are important in allowing local units of government to borrow money at lower interest costs, reducing costs to the average tax payer.
There are approximately 3,140 counties in the United States; Kent County ranks in the top three percent of counties in the nation for holding a Triple-A rating for long-term debt from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. Only one other county in Michigan holds the same distinction.