Median Income
$25,968
65% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,300
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
353/100K
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.3%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
48.7%
293% higher than US avg
How Bombay Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population313
Median Age54.1 yrs
Density474/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 54%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$25,968
Per Capita$11,929
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty48.7%
County GDP$12,907M
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,300
Ownership87.1%
Zillow$258,145
Housing Units300
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent353/100K
Property177/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured18.4%
Smoking25.4%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain4.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation-216 ft (-66 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.3%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.07
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 48%
Broadband75.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is Bombay Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bombay Beach receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Bombay Beach has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bombay Beach is $25,968, 65% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 48.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bombay Beach is $94,300, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bombay Beach is below the national average at 353 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 177 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
10.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Bombay Beach enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 88°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 4.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Bombay Beach has a population of 313 with a density of 474 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 54.1 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (53.7%), with 3.2% Hispanic, 26.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.1yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bombay Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bombay Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bombay Beach is $25,968, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $11,929 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 48.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,795 business establishments, including 280 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 12.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Bombay Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $25,968 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,929 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 48.7% |
| 293% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,795 |
| County GDP | $12,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 280 |
| Healthcare | 322 |
| Retail | 429 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,268 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 65.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.6% |
The median home value in Bombay Beach is $94,300, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,145, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 300 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,268 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $94,300 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,145 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 87.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.9% |
| Housing Units | 300 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,268 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.53% |
In Bombay Beach, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 40.7% have high blood pressure. 25.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 39.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.4% experience frequent mental distress. 18.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,997. The dentist ratio is 1:3,081. 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bombay Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.7% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 12.5% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 5.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.7% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 24.4% |
| Physical Distress | 21.9% |
| Short Sleep | 46.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.1% |
| Uninsured | 18.4% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,997 |
| Dentists | 1:3,081 |
| Mental Health | 1:487 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 39.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 322 |
Bombay Beach has a violent crime rate of 353 per 100,000 residents, 7% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 177 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 36 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bombay Beach receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bombay Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 353.4/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 176.7/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bombay Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 88°F in July. The area gets 330 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 4.6 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 -216 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
88°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 69.4°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 88°F (31°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | -216 ft (-66 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 474/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.3556°N, 115.7269°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Imperial County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jacqueline Cochran Regional (TRM)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.6"
88% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0502 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.52 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.25 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15,101 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 28, 2025.
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Landers, California Earthquake |
M7.3 |
115 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
The 2010 Sierra El Mayor, B.C., Mexico Earthquake |
M7.2 |
126 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
The 1999 Hector Mine, California Earthquake |
M7.1 |
147 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
The 1992 Big Bear, California Earthquake |
M6.3 |
139 km |
| Apr 23, 1992 |
The 1992 Joshua Tree, California Earthquake |
M6.1 |
87 km |
| Dec 30, 2009 |
12km N of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.8 |
111 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
3km NE of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.8 |
107 km |
| Jun 15, 2010 |
8km ESE of Ocotillo, CA |
M5.7 |
74 km |
| Feb 22, 2002 |
13km WSW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.7 |
121 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
2km SSW of Joshua Tree, California |
M5.7 |
101 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
3km ESE of Yucca Valley, California |
M5.7 |
104 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
11km SSE of Big Bear Lake, California |
M5.5 |
137 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
0km E of Yucca Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
106 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
9km SW of Delta, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
125 km |
| Jul 5, 1992 |
21km SW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
147 km |
| Jul 7, 2010 |
20km NNW of Borrego Springs, CA |
M5.4 |
70 km |
| Jun 28, 1992 |
26km NNW of Yucca Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
131 km |
| Aug 26, 2012 |
4km NNW of Brawley, CA |
M5.4 |
41 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
12km WNW of Alberto Oviedo Mota, B.C., MX |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Oct 16, 1999 |
32km SSW of Ludlow, California |
M5.4 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
14 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 9, 1978 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2015 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1993 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 2018 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2015 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2000 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1999 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1997 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1997 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1992 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1985 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1972 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (20 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
20 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINES (65,407 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
PINES |
65,407 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
MOUNTAIN |
28,202 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
PALM |
21,040 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
COYOTE |
19,215 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
EAGLE |
14,743 |
70 km |
| 1999 |
JUNIPER COMPLEX (FIRE #3) |
13,479 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
CRANSTON |
13,096 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
WILSON |
12,048 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
STEWART |
9,501 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
MATAGUAY |
9,087 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
CHARIOT |
7,250 |
83 km |
| 1999 |
LA JOLLA |
7,231 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
BUTTERFIELD |
7,165 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
BAILEY |
7,092 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTHERN |
5,525 |
80 km |
| 1995 |
COVINGTON |
5,457 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
BANNER |
5,371 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
BORDER 6 |
5,301 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
INKOPAH |
5,037 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
MORRETTIS |
4,718 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
61°F (16°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
65°F (18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| June |
87°F (30°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| July |
88°F (31°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| August |
91°F (33°C) |
0.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
86°F (30°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
76°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
64°F (18°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| December |
57°F (14°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Bombay Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 53°F in January to 91°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 2.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (0.5") and May the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Bombay Beach. 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 | $960 |
| Toddler | $760 |
| Preschool | $698 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $821 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $778 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombay Beach
What is the population of Bombay Beach?
Bombay Beach has a population of 313 residents and is located in California. The population density is 474 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Bombay Beach expensive to live in?
Bombay Beach 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 $25,968, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,300 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bombay Beach safe?
Bombay Beach is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 353 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 177 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bombay Beach receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bombay Beach?
Bombay Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 88°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 4.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Bombay Beach?
Bombay Beach has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 9,795 business establishments in the area, including 280 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Bombay Beach?
The median home value in Bombay Beach is $94,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,145. The homeownership rate is 87.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,268.
How are the schools in Bombay Beach?
Schools in Bombay Beach have an average test score of 4.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.3% of adults in Bombay Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bombay Beach?
The obesity rate in Bombay Beach is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.4% of adults are smokers. 39.7% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 18.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 81.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,997.
What are the demographics of Bombay Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bombay Beach is 53.7% White, 26.5% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
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