The 'AAA' rating on Naperville, Ill.'s GO bonds reflects the city's: Large, well-diversified, and steadily growing tax base; Very high wealth and income levels; Extremely strong fiscal management and excellent financial performance; and Moderate debt burden. Located 30 miles west of Chicago, Ill. in DuPage County, Naperville is a rapidly growing community with a strong corporate presence. The city's population, now estimated at 137,000, increased 50% during the 1990s after doubling in the previous decade, making it the fourth-largest city in the state and Chicago's second-largest suburb. The city's rapid growth has been due, in good part, to job growth along the Interstate 88 East-West Tollway corridor, which passes through the city's northern border. Income levels are high. In 2001,
