The rating on South Plainfield, N.J.'s bonds is affirmed based on the following strengths: * Strong economy, * Sizable tax base, * Average household income, and * Stabilized financial position after a trend of operating deficits. Offsetting these strengths is a relatively small general fund balance position and high debt burden. South Plainfield, population 21,000, is a developed suburban community located in Middlesex County (GO rating 'AA+'). The borough benefits from a strong regional economy as well as its proximity to the diverse Northern New Jersey and New York metropolitan area employment markets. The county unemployment rate is below the state and national averages at 4.47%. South Plainfield residents have average wealth levels compared to people in other New Jersey
