Median Income
$37,351
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,700
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
362/100K
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$628
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.3%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.4%
161% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.2%
103% higher than US avg
How Charleston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,301
Median Age33.1 yrs
Density1,692/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 26%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$37,351
Per Capita$20,696
Unemployment9.4%
Poverty25.2%
County GDP$119M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,700
Rent$628
Ownership57.1%
Zillow$98,979
Housing Units980
Rent Burden23.2%
Crime
F
Violent362/100K
Property6,170/100K
Health
Obesity47.3%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking21.2%
Depression19.2%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain56.7 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation214 ft (65 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+77.4%
Graduate+13.8%
School Score3.74
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 64%
Commute19 min
Broadband69.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Charleston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Charleston receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Charleston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Charleston is $37,351, 50% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 25.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Charleston is $87,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $628 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Charleston is below the national average at 362 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,170 per 100,000, 215% above the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Charleston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Charleston has a population of 2,301 with a density of 1,692 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 33.1 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (71.2%), with 26.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.1yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Charleston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Charleston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Charleston is $37,351, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,696 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $683, 52% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 144 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Charleston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,351 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,696 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $683 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $36,476 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.2% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $119M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.6% |
The median home value in Charleston is $87,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,979, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $628 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 980 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,263 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,979 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $628 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.9% |
| Housing Units | 980 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,263 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Charleston, 47.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 49.9% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.0% report binge drinking. 41.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.2% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:5,701. 36.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 0.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Charleston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 49.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.7% |
| Depression | 19.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 45.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,701 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,773 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.5% |
| Dental Visits | 5.9% |
| Premature Death | 18,894/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 0.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 residents, 5% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,170 per 100,000, 215% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Charleston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Charleston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 362.1/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,169.5/100K |
| 215% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Charleston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 301 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 56.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 214 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.5°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 214 ft (65 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,692/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0077°N, 90.0552°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Quitman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Memphis International (MEM)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.7"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.7 on Jan 8, 2019.
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
60 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
23 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
51 km |
| Jan 3, 1993 |
4 km SW of Sunset, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| Apr 11, 1996 |
9 km ENE of Biscoe, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
9 km ENE of Clarkedale, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| Oct 20, 1999 |
8 km NE of Clarendon, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
0 km SW of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Nov 9, 2009 |
3 km SE of Marion, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Katrina (2005, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
242 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
414 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 72 fatalities, 674 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
73 km |
9 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
78 km |
3 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
65 km |
6 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
15 |
| Apr 24, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COMP 109 (3,663 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
COMP 109 |
3,663 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
80 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
30 km |
| 2013 |
PUSKUS LAKE |
2,271 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,972 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
C-109 |
1,863 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,841 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
HOLLY SPRINGS IU 130-1 RX |
1,839 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS - BB 123 124 |
1,761 |
24 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
24 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 139 |
1,671 |
24 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,668 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 104 |
1,629 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 117 |
1,514 |
74 km |
| 2014 |
C-117 YELLOW LEAF CREEK |
1,512 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
53°F (11°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Charleston has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 41°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and August the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Charleston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $509 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston
What is the population of Charleston?
Charleston has a population of 2,301 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 1,692 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Charleston expensive to live in?
Charleston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $37,351, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $628 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Charleston safe?
Charleston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,170 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Charleston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Charleston?
Charleston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Charleston?
The job market in Charleston faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $683. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 16.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston is $87,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,979. For renters, the median monthly rent is $628. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,263.
How are the schools in Charleston?
Schools in Charleston have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.5% of adults in Charleston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Charleston?
The obesity rate in Charleston is 47.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 41.7% are physically inactive. 19.2% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Charleston?
The average commute in Charleston is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Charleston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Charleston is 26.4% White, 71.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 81.5% have health insurance coverage.
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