Fitch Ratings has assigned a ‘AAA’ rating to Westchester County’s 2026 Series A, B and C General Obligation (GO) Bonds, and affirmed the County’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘AAA’ with a Stable Outlook.
The ‘AAA’ rating is the highest possible rating awarded by Fitch and reflects the agency’s expectation that Westchester County will continue to maintain exceptional financial resilience through economic cycles.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Receiving a ‘AAA’ rating once again is a powerful affirmation of Westchester County’s strong financial stewardship and disciplined management. This rating reflects our commitment to responsible budgeting, maintaining healthy reserves and investing strategically in infrastructure that supports our residents and our economy. We are proud that independent analysts continue to recognize Westchester as one of the most financially stable counties in the nation.”
According to Fitch, the ‘AAA’ rating reflects Westchester County’s:
- Healthy reserve levels exceeding 20% of spending over the last three fiscal years
- Strong revenue-raising flexibility
- Solid ability to adjust expenditures when necessary
- Sound operating performance
- General fund reserve policy target of at least 18% of spending
Fitch’s ‘aaa’ financial resilience assessment assumes the County will maintain unrestricted general fund reserves at or above 10% of spending — a benchmark the County has consistently exceeded.
The rating agency also cited Westchester County’s sizable and diverse economy, strong educational attainment levels and favorable median household income levels as key strengths. Additionally, the County’s long-term liability burden, including direct debt and pension obligations, was assessed as “Strong,” supported by a rapid pace of debt amortization and expected growth in the County’s resource base.
This affirmation of the County’s top-tier credit rating enables Westchester to borrow at lower interest costs, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in critical infrastructure, public safety, transportation, parks and community facilities.
