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Buckland, AK

Alaska · Northwest Arctic Borough

Buckland is a small town in Alaska with a population of 629. Residents earn $56,136 per year, which is 25% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
629 Population 874/sq mi density
$56,136 Median Income $17,089 per capita
$72,000 Home Value $435,931 Zillow
$1,054 Median Rent 22.5% income on rent
23°F Avg Temperature 200 sunny days/yr
1,490 Violent Crime/100K 4,348 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$56,136 median income, 17.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$72,000 home value, $1,054/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,490 violent crimes/100K (292% above avg)
F
Education
1.3 / 5.0
3.5% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Buckland, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $56,136
25% lower than US avg
Home Value $72,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,054
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment 17.7%
392% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 12.7%
2% higher than US avg

How Buckland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population629
Median Age21.6 yrs
Density874/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans2.2%

Economy

C+
Median Income$56,136
Per Capita$17,089
Unemployment17.7%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$744M
Commute3 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$72,000
Rent$1,054
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units145
Rent Burden22.5%

Crime

F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K

Health

Obesity43.7%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking34.7%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease9.8%

Climate

Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+83.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.05

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute3 min
Broadband87.7%
Libraries1

Is Buckland a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Buckland receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Buckland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Buckland is $56,136, 25% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.7%, unemployment is notably high. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 3 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Buckland is $72,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,054 per month. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 1,490 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.

Education

3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.

Climate & Weather

Buckland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.

Buckland has a population of 629 with a density of 874 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 21.6 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.3% female and 57.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.2%), with 3.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.7% of residents, while 19.3% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 73.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

629
Total Population
874
People / sq mi
21.6yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
0.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 57.7%
Female 42.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Buckland vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 80.7%
3% above US avg
Spanish 19.3%
44% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Buckland vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Buckland is $56,136, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,089 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 148 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 3 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Buckland vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$56,136
25% below US avg
Per Capita Income$17,089
Avg Weekly Wage$1,724
IRS Avg AGI$61,838
Gini Index0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment17.7%
392% above US avg
Poverty Rate12.7%
2% above US avg
Establishments (County)148
County GDP$744M

Business (County)

Restaurants5
Healthcare4
Retail14

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time3.4 min
Drive Alone6.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Buckland is $72,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,054 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$72,000
74% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$435,931

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,054
9% below US avg
Rent Burden22.5%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$1,061
1 Bedroom$1,194
2 Bedrooms$1,467
3 Bedrooms$1,941
4 Bedrooms$2,304

Ownership & Property

Homeownership78.1%
Owner-Occupied78.1%
Renter-Occupied21.9%
Housing Units145
Median Year Built1984

Property Tax

In Buckland, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.8% of residents, above the national average. 41.2% have high blood pressure. 34.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 35.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260. The dentist ratio is 1:2,474. 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Buckland vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity43.7%
36% above US avg
Diabetes17.2%
Heart Disease9.8%
High Blood Pressure41.2%
Asthma13.6%
COPD10.9%
Cancer5.7%
Stroke5.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking34.7%
148% above US avg
Binge Drinking16.3%
Physical Inactivity35.0%
Depression20.4%
Mental Distress21.9%
Physical Distress21.3%
Short Sleep45.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate73.0%
Uninsured16.6%
93% above US avg
Primary Care1:1,260
Dentists1:2,474
Mental Health1:90
Checkup Rate66.2%
Dental Visits35.1%
Premature Death19,918/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment4.6/10
Exercise Access3.1%
Healthcare Facilities4
Buckland has a violent crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 residents, 292% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. Overall, Buckland receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Buckland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,489.8/100K
292% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property4,347.8/100K
122% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Buckland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

-4°F Jan (-20°C) 54°F Jul (12°C)
Annual Average23.2°F
57% below US avg
January Average-4°F (-20°C)
July Average54°F (12°C)
Sunny Days200 days/yr

Geography

Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Area0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²)
Population Density874/sq mi
Coordinates65.9765°N, 161.1394°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyNorthwest Arctic Borough County
Nearest AirportFairbanks International (FAI)
390 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Wettest Month (Aug) 2.87"
Driest Month (May) 0.47"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Low
Risk Score54.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability99.8 / 100
Community Resilience5.9 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail No Rating
Strong Wind No Rating
Winter Weather Relatively Moderate
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought No Rating
Cold Wave Relatively High
Landslide Relatively Low
Coastal Flood No Rating
Volcano Very Low
Avalanche Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

150 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 25, 2025.

Jul 6, 2006 36 km NNE of Koyuk, Alaska M4.5 86 km
May 18, 1995 15 km N of Elim, Alaska M4.3 147 km
Apr 19, 2024 48 km SW of Buckland, Alaska M4.2 48 km
May 18, 2008 65 km NW of Deering, Alaska M4.1 131 km
Aug 23, 1998 81 km SW of Deering, Alaska M4.0 133 km
Jul 21, 1998 northern Alaska M4.0 134 km
May 13, 2002 41 km NE of Deering, Alaska M4.0 54 km
Jul 9, 1998 51 km NW of Kiana, Alaska M3.9 148 km
Mar 11, 2012 20 km SW of Noorvik, Alaska M3.7 80 km
May 6, 2005 49 km SW of Deering, Alaska M3.7 111 km
Aug 25, 2025 24 km N of Koyuk, Alaska M3.6 92 km
Apr 27, 1995 8 km NNW of Kiana, Alaska M3.6 122 km
Feb 9, 2019 92 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska M3.6 135 km
Jan 20, 2008 32 km E of Deering, Alaska M3.6 40 km
Apr 8, 1992 northern Alaska M3.5 126 km
Oct 22, 2003 99 km NNW of Koyukuk, Alaska M3.5 111 km
Feb 5, 2017 33 km NE of Deering, Alaska M3.4 65 km
Jun 5, 2004 17 km NE of Deering, Alaska M3.4 63 km
Mar 16, 2018 30 km N of Kiana, Alaska M3.4 144 km
Mar 30, 2012 78 km S of Deering, Alaska M3.3 95 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Imuruk Lake (117 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Imuruk Lake Shield(s) 610 m (2,001 ft) 300 117 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: NORTH RIVER (111,059 ac, 2019).

Year Name Acres Distance
2019 NORTH RIVER 111,059 92 km
2002 TAG RIVER 1 39,549 99 km
2011 FISH RIVER 32,882 43 km
2015 KOYUK 23,101 85 km
2015 WRENCH LAKE 8,212 95 km
1997 PEACE RIVER 7,959 83 km
2010 MONTANA CREEK 6,867 58 km
2013 SOUTH FORK 6,398 82 km
2004 EAST FORK KOYUKUK 3,573 83 km
2019 SOUTH FORK BUCKLAND RIVER 3,249 60 km
2010 TIPOOKTULEARUK RIVER 3,185 94 km
2003 TAG RIVER 3,163 100 km
2019 SALMON CREEK 2,986 100 km
1995 532391 2,903 96 km
2019 BUCKLAND 3 2,838 32 km
2019 KUGRUK RIVER 1 2,695 57 km
2010 GOLDBUG CREEK 2,537 68 km
2019 KATEEL RIVER 2,517 65 km
2018 FAIRHAVEN CREEK 1,931 25 km
2019 KUZITRIN RIVER 9 1,609 89 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -4°F (-20°C) 0.6 in Coldest
February 3°F (-16°C) 0.6 in
March 7°F (-14°C) 0.7 in
April 18°F (-8°C) 0.7 in
May 35°F (2°C) 0.5 in Driest
June 49°F (10°C) 0.7 in
July 54°F (12°C) 1.7 in Warmest
August 51°F (11°C) 2.9 in Wettest
September 42°F (6°C) 2.1 in
October 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 in
November 12°F (-11°C) 0.8 in
December 3°F (-16°C) 0.7 in

Buckland has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from -4°F in January to 54°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.9") and May the driest (0.5").

View full weather details →
Buckland is located in Northwest Arctic Borough County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 3.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 90% below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical benchmarks. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 87.7% of households have broadband internet access. There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 4 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 6.3% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+3.5%
90% below US avg
High School+83.0%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score2.05
F Education Grade (1.3/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density874/sq mi
Total Area0.7 sq mi
CountyNorthwest Arctic Borough County

Services

Broadband Access87.7%
Avg Download Speed8.8 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed1.0 Mbps
Max Download Speed300 Mbps
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities4
Restaurants5
Retail Stores14

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute3.4 min
Drive Alone6.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.0%
Average costs for common services in Buckland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.

Healthcare

Doctor Visit (Primary Care) $256 ($154–$410)
Specialist Visit $358 ($205–$563)
Urgent Care Visit $205 ($102–$358)
Emergency Room Visit $2,253 ($819–$5,120)
Dental Cleaning $133 ($77–$205)
Dental Filling $256 ($154–$410)
View all 40 services

Auto Repair

Oil Change (Conventional) $46 ($26–$77)
Oil Change (Synthetic) $77 ($51–$123)
Brake Pad Replacement $307 ($154–$512)
Tire Rotation $41 ($20–$77)
New Tires (Set of 4) $614 ($410–$1,024)
Battery Replacement $205 ($102–$358)
View all 18 services

Home Services

Plumber (Per Hour) $102 ($61–$154)
Electrician (Per Hour) $92 ($51–$143)
HVAC Repair $410 ($154–$819)
HVAC System Install $7,168 ($4,096–$12,288)
Roof Repair $1,024 ($410–$2,048)
Roof Replacement $9,216 ($5,632–$15,360)
View all 25 services

Legal

Divorce (Uncontested) $1,536 ($512–$3,584)
Divorce (Contested) $15,360 ($5,120–$30,720)
DUI Defense $5,120 ($2,048–$10,240)
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) $1,536 ($819–$3,072)
Will Preparation $512 ($205–$1,024)
Trust Preparation $2,560 ($1,024–$5,120)
View all 12 services

Personal Care

Men's Haircut $26 ($15–$46)
Women's Haircut $56 ($31–$102)
Hair Coloring (Full) $154 ($77–$256)
Manicure $26 ($15–$46)
Pedicure $41 ($26–$67)
Massage (1 Hour) $82 ($51–$133)
View all 12 services

Food & Grocery

Gallon of Milk (per gallon) $4.20 ($3.07–$5.63)
Dozen Eggs (per dozen) $3.58 ($2.56–$5.12)
Loaf of Bread $3.89 ($2.56–$5.63)
Chicken Breast (per lb) $4.61 ($3.07–$6.66)
Ground Beef (per lb) $5.63 ($4.10–$7.68)
Rice (per lb) $1.02 ($0.61–$1.84)
View all 20 services

Utilities

Electricity (Monthly) $143 ($82–$256)
Natural Gas (Monthly) $72 ($31–$154)
Water/Sewer (Monthly) $72 ($41–$123)
Internet (Monthly) $72 ($41–$102)
Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) $67 ($31–$102)
Cable TV (Monthly) $87 ($51–$154)
View all 8 services

Transportation

Monthly Parking (Downtown) $205 ($77–$512)
Car Insurance (Annual) $2,048 ($1,229–$3,584)
Bus Pass (Monthly) $72 ($31–$133)
Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) $15 ($8.19–$26)
Car Registration (Annual) $102 ($31–$256)
Driver's License Renewal $31 ($15–$77)
View all 8 services

Education & Childcare

Daycare (Infant, Monthly) $1,229 ($614–$2,560)
Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) $1,024 ($512–$2,048)
After-School Care (Monthly) $410 ($205–$717)
Tutoring (Per Hour) $51 ($26–$102)
SAT/ACT Prep Course $1,024 ($410–$2,560)
Private School (K-12, Annual) $12,800 ($5,120–$30,720)
View all 8 services

Pets

Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) $61 ($31–$102)
Dog Vaccination (Annual) $102 ($51–$205)
Dog Grooming $61 ($31–$102)
Pet Boarding (Per Night) $41 ($20–$77)
Dog Spay/Neuter $307 ($154–$512)
Cat Spay/Neuter $205 ($102–$410)
View all 9 services

Top Industries in Northwest Arctic Borough

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 163 17 $39,326 0.54
Construction 78 10 $127,472 0.50
Information & Technology 36 3 $69,843 0.64

Schools in Buckland

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Buckland School Other 200 10 20.0:1
View full schools details →

Fire Stations in Buckland

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Buckland Volunteer Fire Department007 W Uptown BLVDMostly volunteer907-494-2176

Airports Near Buckland

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Bear Creek 1 Airport—Small Airport
Buckland AirportBKCSmall Airport
Granite Mountain Air StationGMTSmall Airport

Explore Near Buckland

Mines
1
Active and inactive mining sites tracked by the Mine Safety and Health Administration
View all →

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Buckland.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buckland

What is the population of Buckland?

Buckland has a population of 629 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 874 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.3% female and 57.7% male.

Is Buckland expensive to live in?

Buckland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,136, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,000 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,054 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Buckland safe?

Public safety is a concern in Buckland, with a violent crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Buckland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Buckland?

Buckland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.

How is the job market in Buckland?

The job market in Buckland faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,724. There are 148 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 3 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Buckland?

The median home value in Buckland is $72,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,054. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%.

How are the schools in Buckland?

Schools in Buckland have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.5% of adults in Buckland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Buckland?

The obesity rate in Buckland is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.7% of adults are smokers. 35.0% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260.

What is transportation like in Buckland?

The average commute in Buckland is 3 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 6.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Buckland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buckland is 3.8% White, 96.2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.3% speak Spanish. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 73.0% have health insurance coverage.

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