Median Income
$42,961
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,700
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
285/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$692
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.1%
14% higher than US avg
How Bethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,639
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density1,833/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,961
Per Capita$24,716
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty14.1%
County GDP$5,048M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,700
Rent$692
Ownership48.7%
Zillow$253,581
Housing Units1,236
Rent Burden40.7%
Crime
F
Violent285/100K
Property2,741/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault249/100K
Burglary498/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking24.0%
Depression30.1%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation870 ft (265 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute31 min
Broadband74.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Bethel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethel receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bethel has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethel is $42,961, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethel is $142,700, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bethel is below the national average at 285 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,741 per 100,000, 40% above the national average.
Education
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bethel has a population of 2,639 with a density of 1,833 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.1% female and 42.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Bethel is $42,961, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,716 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,104, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,434 business establishments, including 246 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,961 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,716 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,104 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,446 |
| Gini Index | 0.490 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,434 |
| County GDP | $5,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 246 |
| Healthcare | 174 |
| Retail | 237 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,718 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Bethel is $142,700, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,581, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 88.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $692 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,236 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $5,718 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,700 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,581 |
| Median List Price | $195,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $195,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $150 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 88.7% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $692 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,236 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,718 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.01% |
In Bethel, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 24.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,861. The dentist ratio is 1:1,985. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.0% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 30.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,861 |
| Dentists | 1:1,985 |
| Mental Health | 1:558 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 49.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,183/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 174 |
Bethel has a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 249.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 35.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,741 per 100,000, 40% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,136, burglary at 498, vehicle theft at 107 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bethel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 284.8/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 35.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 249.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,741.2/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| Burglary | 498.4/100K |
| Theft | 2,136.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 106.8/100K |
| Arson | 35.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 27 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 42.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 870 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 870 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,833/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9629°N, 84.0846°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Campbell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.2"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0446 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 7.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.83 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
56 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
31 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
51 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
31 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
8 km SSE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
46 km |
| Jan 4, 1999 |
9 km WNW of Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
98 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
412 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 72 fatalities, 2,626 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
74 km |
36 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
51 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
39 km |
4 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
42 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
22 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
41 km |
6 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
27 km |
3 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1970 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,259 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
PEACH ORCHARD |
1,043 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Bethel has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 32°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Bethel. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $727 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $657 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethel
What is the population of Bethel?
Bethel has a population of 2,639 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,833 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.1% female and 42.9% male.
Is Bethel expensive to live in?
Bethel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $42,961, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,700 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bethel safe?
Bethel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,741 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bethel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bethel?
Bethel has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,104. There are 3,434 business establishments in the area, including 246 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel is $142,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,581. For renters, the median monthly rent is $692. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,718.
How are the schools in Bethel?
Schools in Bethel score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.1% of adults in Bethel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethel?
The obesity rate in Bethel is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.0% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 30.1% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,861.
What is transportation like in Bethel?
The average commute in Bethel is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is 96.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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