Median Income
$54,634
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,600
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
405/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$781
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.4%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Alturas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,703
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density952/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,634
Per Capita$31,725
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$688M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,600
Rent$781
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$171,798
Housing Units1,388
Rent Burden39.2%
Crime
F
Violent405/100K
Property1,214/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault283/100K
Burglary567/100K
Health
Obesity32.4%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain11.7 in/yr
Sunny Days316/yr
Elevation4,366 ft (1,331 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score4.24
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 25%
Commute14 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Alturas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alturas receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Alturas offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alturas is $54,634, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alturas is $152,600, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 405 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,214 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Alturas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 316 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Alturas has a population of 2,703 with a density of 952 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (75.1%), with 12.5% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.7% of residents, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.7%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.3%
7% above US avg
The median household income in Alturas is $54,634, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,725 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 426 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,634 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,725 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,809 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 426 |
| County GDP | $688M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,717 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Alturas is $152,600, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,798, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $781 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,388 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,717 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 39.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,600 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,798 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $781 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,388 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,717 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.78% |
In Alturas, 32.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,165. The dentist ratio is 1:1,419. 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alturas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.4% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,165 |
| Dentists | 1:1,419 |
| Mental Health | 1:243 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 13,302/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Alturas has a violent crime rate of 405 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 283.3 per 100,000, robbery at 40.5, rape at 80.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,214 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 526, burglary at 567, vehicle theft at 121 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Alturas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alturas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 404.7/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 80.9/100K |
| Robbery | 40.5/100K |
| Assault | 283.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,214.1/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Burglary | 566.6/100K |
| Theft | 526.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 121.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 207 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alturas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 316 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 11.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 4,366 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 316 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,366 ft (1,331 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 952/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4891°N, 120.5513°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Modoc County County |
| Nearest Airport | Crater Lake/Klamath Regional (LMT)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.7"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
1.81"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,018 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 12, 2025.
| Dec 4, 1993 |
20 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M5.1 |
150 km |
| Sep 8, 2023 |
12 km NE of Burney, CA |
M5.0 |
103 km |
| Feb 10, 1993 |
28 km SW of Empire, Nevada |
M4.8 |
142 km |
| Sep 14, 2015 |
43 km E of Fort Bidwell, California |
M4.7 |
87 km |
| Jul 16, 2015 |
42 km E of Fort Bidwell, California |
M4.6 |
89 km |
| Jul 27, 2015 |
43 km E of Fort Bidwell, California |
M4.5 |
89 km |
| Jan 22, 2015 |
43 km E of Fort Bidwell, California |
M4.5 |
88 km |
| May 10, 2005 |
10 km NW of Burney, California |
M4.4 |
118 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
10 km NNE of New Pine Creek, Oregon |
M4.4 |
71 km |
| Jun 14, 1991 |
8 km SW of Hat Creek, California |
M4.4 |
118 km |
| Dec 20, 2000 |
12 km NNW of Burney, California |
M4.4 |
111 km |
| Sep 8, 2023 |
12 km NE of Burney, CA |
M4.3 |
104 km |
| Dec 20, 2000 |
11 km NNW of Burney, California |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| May 15, 2002 |
9 km W of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.3 |
139 km |
| Jul 22, 2004 |
Oregon |
M4.3 |
72 km |
| Jan 9, 1994 |
12 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.3 |
142 km |
| Jan 19, 1994 |
15 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Jan 29, 2015 |
43 km E of Fort Bidwell, California |
M4.2 |
88 km |
| Nov 19, 2000 |
17 km WSW of Empire, Nevada |
M4.2 |
141 km |
| Aug 13, 2015 |
44 km E of Fort Bidwell, California |
M4.2 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 1958 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Medicine Lake (85 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Medicine Lake |
Shield |
2,412 m (7,913 ft) |
1060 |
85 km |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
137 km |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
137 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BARRY POINT (91,487 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
BARRY POINT |
91,487 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
W-5 COLD SPRINGS |
84,024 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
CALDWELL |
81,870 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
OBSERVATION |
67,432 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
LOST |
57,647 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
STEELE |
49,153 |
52 km |
| 2014 |
BALD |
39,770 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
STONE |
39,455 |
39 km |
| 2017 |
COVE |
30,884 |
45 km |
| 2001 |
BLUE COMPLEX (BLUE) |
30,803 |
43 km |
| 1999 |
PINE |
24,124 |
49 km |
| 1996 |
AMBROSE COMPLEX (DAMON-LONG) |
24,090 |
59 km |
| 2005 |
BARREL |
23,077 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
GOLD |
21,623 |
53 km |
| 1984 |
TWIN |
21,476 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
WHALEBACK |
18,640 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
SHINN |
17,966 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
COLEMAN |
14,999 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
TUCKER |
14,128 |
66 km |
| 2014 |
DAY |
13,750 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
Wettest |
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
Alturas has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 31°F in December to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (1.8") and July the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Alturas. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $972 |
| Toddler | $774 |
| Preschool | $641 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $890 |
| Toddler | $826 |
| Preschool | $767 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alturas
What is the population of Alturas?
Alturas has a population of 2,703 residents and is located in California. The population density is 952 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is Alturas expensive to live in?
Alturas is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,634, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,600 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $781 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alturas safe?
The violent crime rate in Alturas is 405 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,214 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alturas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alturas?
Alturas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 316 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Alturas?
Alturas has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 426 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alturas?
The median home value in Alturas is $152,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,798. For renters, the median monthly rent is $781. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,717.
How are the schools in Alturas?
Schools in Alturas have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.1% of adults in Alturas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alturas?
The obesity rate in Alturas is 32.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 54.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,165.
What is transportation like in Alturas?
The average commute in Alturas is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alturas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alturas is 75.1% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino. 85.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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