Median Income
$34,643
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
233/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$645
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
18.0%
400% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
43.1%
248% higher than US avg
How Briar Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population896
Median Age32.6 yrs
Density543/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
F
Median Income$34,643
Per Capita$17,340
Unemployment18.0%
Poverty43.1%
County GDP$3,276M
Commute30 min
Housing
A
Home Value$162,500
Rent$645
Ownership48.6%
Zillow$200,640
Housing Units351
Rent Burden38.4%
Crime
F
Violent233/100K
Property2,687/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain48.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation494 ft (151 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute30 min
Broadband81.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Briar Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Briar Creek receives an overall livability score of 2.1 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 above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Briar Creek has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Briar Creek is $34,643, 54% below the national average of $75,149. At 18.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 43.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Briar Creek is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Briar Creek is below the national average at 233 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,687 per 100,000, 37% above the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Briar Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.4 inches, including 46.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Briar Creek has a population of 896 with a density of 543 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 32.6 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.6yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Briar Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Briar Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Briar Creek is $34,643, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,340 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 43.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,571 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Briar Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,643 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,340 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,596 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 18.0% |
| 400% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 43.1% |
| 248% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,571 |
| County GDP | $3,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 191 |
| Retail | 230 |
| Manufacturing | 73 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 2.8% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Briar Creek is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,640, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $645 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 351 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,387 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $200,640 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $645 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.4% |
| Housing Units | 351 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Briar Creek, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753. The dentist ratio is 1:2,094. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Briar Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,753 |
| Dentists | 1:2,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,190 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,535/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 191 |
Briar Creek has a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,687 per 100,000, 37% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Briar Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Briar Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.8/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,687.2/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Briar Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 275 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 48.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 494 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 494 ft (151 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 543/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0492°N, 76.2840°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hazleton Regional (HZL)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.4"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
134 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
83 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
111 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
84 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
66 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
255 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
288 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 148 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
74 km |
6 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Nov 4, 1950 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
39 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
40 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
WORTHINGTO |
514 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Briar Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 25°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 41.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Briar Creek. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Briar Creek
What is the population of Briar Creek?
Briar Creek has a population of 896 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 543 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is Briar Creek expensive to live in?
Briar Creek has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $34,643, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $645 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Briar Creek safe?
Briar Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,687 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Briar Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Briar Creek?
Briar Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.4 inches, with 46.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Briar Creek?
The job market in Briar Creek faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 1,571 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Briar Creek?
The median home value in Briar Creek is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $200,640. For renters, the median monthly rent is $645. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,387.
How are the schools in Briar Creek?
Schools in Briar Creek score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Briar Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Briar Creek?
The obesity rate in Briar Creek is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753.
What is transportation like in Briar Creek?
The average commute in Briar Creek is 30 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Briar Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Briar Creek is 92.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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