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Circle, AK

Alaska · Fairbanks North Star Borough · Fairbanks-College Metro

Circle is a small town in Alaska with a population of 48. Residents earn $32,500 per year, which is 57% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
48 Population 0/sq mi density
$32,500 Median Income $26,654 per capita
23°F Avg Temperature 200 sunny days/yr
492 Violent Crime/100K 3,087 property/100K
D
Overall
1.8 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.7 / 5.0
$32,500 median income, 6.7% unemployment
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
492 violent crimes/100K (30% above avg)
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
20.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Circle, 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 $32,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 492/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment 6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 44.4%
258% higher than US avg

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

People

Population48
Median Age52.2 yrs
Density0/mi²
Male / Female27% / 73%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans30.0%

Economy

D
Median Income$32,500
Per Capita$26,654
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty44.4%
County GDP$7,891M

Housing

Ownership63.3%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units53
Rent Burden28.2%

Crime

F
Violent492/100K
Property3,087/100K

Health

Obesity36.0%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking29.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.4%

Climate

Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation599 ft (183 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+53.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband30.0%
Libraries3

Is Circle a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Circle receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Circle faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Circle is $32,500, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 44.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the national average.

Education

20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.

Climate & Weather

Circle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 61°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.

Circle has a population of 48 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 106.0 square miles. The median age is 52.2 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 72.9% female and 27.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 53.3% of residents, while 46.7% speak Spanish. 30.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 53.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

48
Total Population
0
People / sq mi
52.2yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
106.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 27.1%
Female 72.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Circle vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 53.3%
32% below US avg
Spanish 46.7%
249% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Circle vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Circle is $32,500, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,654 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 44.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,441 business establishments, including 247 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 23.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Circle vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$32,500
57% below US avg
Per Capita Income$26,654
Avg Weekly Wage$1,340
IRS Avg AGI$83,952
Gini Index0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.7%
86% above US avg
Poverty Rate44.4%
258% above US avg
Establishments (County)2,441
County GDP$7,891M

Business (County)

Restaurants247
Healthcare325
Retail270
Manufacturing66

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$6,621
89% above US avg
Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone30.8%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home23.1%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$320,632

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden28.2%

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

Homeownership63.3%
Owner-Occupied63.3%
Renter-Occupied36.7%
Housing Units53
Median Year Built1995

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$6,621
89% above US avg
In Circle, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 29.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166. The dentist ratio is 1:706. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity36.0%
12% above US avg
Diabetes12.8%
Heart Disease6.4%
High Blood Pressure31.9%
Asthma13.5%
COPD8.7%
Cancer4.4%
Stroke4.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking29.5%
111% above US avg
Binge Drinking14.3%
Physical Inactivity27.7%
Depression21.4%
Mental Distress21.4%
Physical Distress18.2%
Short Sleep38.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate93.3%
Uninsured14.0%
63% above US avg
Primary Care1:1,166
Dentists1:706
Mental Health1:118
Checkup Rate59.6%
Dental Visits36.0%
Premature Death8,713/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.3/10
Exercise Access74.0%
Healthcare Facilities325
Circle has a violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 residents, 30% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Circle receives a safety grade of F.

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

Violent Crime

Total Violent492.2/100K
30% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property3,087.3/100K
58% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)9
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Circle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 77°F. 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 599 feet.

Temperature

-16°F Jan (-27°C) 61°F Jul (16°C)
Annual Average23.0°F
57% below US avg
January Average-16°F (-27°C)
July Average61°F (16°C)
Sunny Days200 days/yr

Geography

Elevation599 ft (183 m)
Area106.0 sq mi (274.5 km²)
Population Density0/sq mi
Coordinates65.8386°N, 144.1753°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyFairbanks North Star Borough County
Nearest AirportFairbanks International (FAI)
128 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Wettest Month (Jul) 1.34"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.20"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)

Ozone (O₃)0.0254 ppm
SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide)1.74 ppb
CO (Carbon Monoxide)0.29 ppm
PM2.5 (Fine Particles)9.0 μg/m³

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Moderate
Risk Score88.5 / 100
Social Vulnerability10.6 / 100
Community Resilience26.0 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

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

Earthquake History

400 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 3, 2025.

Feb 5, 2006 61 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M5.4 84 km
Feb 5, 2006 64 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M5.1 90 km
Jun 11, 2023 14 km E of Central, Alaska M4.8 33 km
Dec 5, 2009 58 km ENE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.5 133 km
May 17, 2008 79 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.5 121 km
May 5, 1997 69 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.4 98 km
Jan 30, 1998 32 km S of Circle, Alaska M4.3 35 km
Feb 1, 2013 16 km ESE of Central, Alaska M4.3 38 km
Jul 29, 2002 45 km S of Beaver, Alaska M4.3 143 km
Jun 10, 2007 76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.3 97 km
Feb 18, 2006 76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.3 98 km
Feb 19, 2010 81 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.2 100 km
Jun 14, 2025 44 km WNW of Central, Alaska M4.2 68 km
Mar 29, 2006 74 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.2 94 km
Mar 25, 1992 27 km ESE of Beaver, Alaska M4.2 129 km
Feb 21, 2006 77 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.1 96 km
Mar 3, 2003 55 km E of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.1 113 km
Aug 1, 2015 112 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska M4.0 124 km
Feb 25, 2016 22 km SE of Circle, Alaska M4.0 27 km
Mar 20, 2006 86 km NNW of Eagle, Alaska M4.0 102 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: CHALKYITSIK COMPLEX (470,507 ac, 2019).

Year Name Acres Distance
2019 CHALKYITSIK COMPLEX 470,507 95 km
2009 CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (LITTLE BLACK ONE) 346,582 45 km
1988 832604 294,208 75 km
2004 EDWARDS CREEK 286,203 57 km
2004 CENTRAL COMPLEX (WOLF CREEK) 228,337 94 km
1993 332557 214,280 28 km
2004 PREACHER CREEK 212,441 43 km
2004 BOLGEN CREEK 202,572 42 km
1990 032042 123,334 24 km
2004 LOWER MOUTH 86,397 96 km
1991 132460 83,354 79 km
1985 531047 79,003 60 km
2019 LITTLE CRAZY MOUNTAIN 78,294 92 km
2005 PREACHER CREEK 69,376 65 km
1993 3322292 60,782 64 km
2004 GRAYLING FORK 51,593 89 km
2009 CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (JAGGED RIDGE) 50,271 38 km
2004 CRAZY 49,649 40 km
1996 BIG CREEK 49,373 63 km
2017 BEAR MOUNTAIN 48,086 65 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -16°F (-27°C) 0.4 in Coldest
February -14°F (-25°C) 0.3 in
March -0°F (-18°C) 0.3 in
April 23°F (-5°C) 0.2 in Driest
May 44°F (7°C) 0.4 in
June 58°F (14°C) 1.0 in
July 61°F (16°C) 1.3 in Warmest, Wettest
August 54°F (12°C) 1.3 in
September 42°F (5°C) 0.9 in
October 21°F (-6°C) 0.6 in
November -4°F (-20°C) 0.4 in
December -13°F (-25°C) 0.4 in

Circle has a seasonal temperature swing of 77°F / from -16°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 7.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (1.3") and April the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Circle is located in Fairbanks North Star Borough County. It is classified as Metro / under 250K, part of a metropolitan area. 20.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 41% below the national average of 33.7%. 53.3% 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 5.3 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 30.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 325 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)9
Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disaster Declarations91
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+20.0%
41% below US avg
High School+53.3%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.34
C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 3Metro / under 250K
Population Density0/sq mi
Total Area106.0 sq mi
CountyFairbanks North Star Borough County

Services

Broadband Access30.0%
Avg Download Speed114.5 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed6.3 Mbps
Max Download Speed1,000 Mbps
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities325
Restaurants247
Retail Stores270

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone30.8%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home23.1%
Average costs for common services in Circle. 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

Childcare

Center-Based (monthly)
Infant$1,711
Toddler$1,239
Preschool$1,148
Family Childcare (monthly)
Infant$1,368
Toddler$1,018
Preschool$933
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)

Top Industries in Fairbanks North Star Borough

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

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Health Care & Social Assistance 5,403 252 $76,996 1.02
Retail Trade 4,581 257 $44,032 1.24
Accommodation & Food Services 3,866 224 $31,662 1.15
Construction 2,884 317 $112,504 1.48
Transportation & Warehousing 2,023 110 $76,526 1.29
Professional & Technical Services 1,212 266 $76,170 0.47
Other Services 1,184 217 $60,126 1.06
Administrative & Waste Services 1,102 170 $64,481 0.51
Manufacturing 684 71 $56,503 0.22
Wholesale Trade 624 47 $76,829 0.43
Real Estate 573 92 $60,162 1.00
Finance & Insurance 524 72 $70,332 0.35
Arts & Entertainment 501 82 $28,900 0.81
Utilities 469 14 $107,642 3.33
Information & Technology 282 30 $90,684 0.41
Educational Services 224 39 $34,865 0.29
Management of Companies 113 10 $120,549 0.18
Unclassified 15 12 $41,146 0.29

Schools in Circle

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Circle School Other 17 2 8.5:1
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Circle

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Bridges in Circle

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Truss (Thru)Steel1957355110F

Airports Near Circle

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Central AirportCEMSmall Airport
Circle City (New) AirportIRCSmall Airport
Circle Hot Springs AirportCHPSmall Airport

Grocery Stores in Circle

1 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
Hutchinson Commercial LlcConvenience Store161 Steese Hwy

Explore Near Circle

Mines
2
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 Circle.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Circle

What is the population of Circle?

Circle has a population of 48 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 106.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 72.9% female and 27.1% male.

Is Circle expensive to live in?

Circle 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 $32,500, 57% below the national average of $75,149.

Is Circle safe?

The violent crime rate in Circle is 492 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Circle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Circle?

Circle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°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 Circle?

The unemployment rate in Circle is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 2,441 business establishments in the area, including 247 restaurants and food service locations.

How are the schools in Circle?

Schools in Circle score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Circle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Circle?

The obesity rate in Circle is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.5% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.

What are the demographics of Circle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Circle is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 53.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 46.7% speak Spanish. 30.0% of the population are military veterans. 53.3% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.

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