The 'AA+' rating on Polk County, Iowa's GO bonds and taxable GO bonds reflects the county's: Access to the stable and diverse Des Moines MSA economy, Consistently strong financial performance, and Moderate overall net debt levels. The county's full faith and credit pledge secures the GO bonds. The county's moral obligation pledge secures Polk County Health Services' ('A+') bonds outstanding. Polk County forms the base of the Des Moines MSA, which is a stable and diversified regional economic center in central Iowa. The county has experienced modest population growth and reached 375,000 residents in 2000, or an increase of 14.5% over the past decade. In 2001, the county's 2.7% unemployment rate was below the state and national levels of 3.3%
