Median Income
$31,564
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,700
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
634/100K
67% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$761
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.1%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.8%
132% higher than US avg
How Cordele Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,107
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density969/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 25%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
D
Median Income$31,564
Per Capita$21,655
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty28.8%
County GDP$1,377M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,700
Rent$761
Ownership34.9%
Zillow$130,418
Housing Units4,887
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent634/100K
Property6,106/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault411/100K
Burglary1,384/100K
Health
Obesity47.1%
Uninsured16.9%
Smoking20.2%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain50.1 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation350 ft (107 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+81.7%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score4.68
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 37%
Commute18 min
Broadband72.3%
EV Stations6
Libraries1
Is Cordele a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cordele 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 elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Cordele has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cordele is $31,564, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 28.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cordele is $110,700, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 634 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 6,106 per 100,000, 212% above the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Cordele enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Cordele has a population of 10,107 with a density of 969 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.6% female and 42.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (72.2%), with 25.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Cordele is $31,564, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,655 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $924, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 625 business establishments, including 57 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,564 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,655 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $924 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,800 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.8% |
| 132% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 625 |
| County GDP | $1,377M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 115 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,552 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Cordele is $110,700, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,418, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $761 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 34.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,887 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,552. 34.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,700 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,418 |
| Median List Price | $199,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $199,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $38 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.8% |
| Price Drops | 16.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $761 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 34.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Housing Units | 4,887 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,552 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Cordele, 47.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 44.8% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.9% report binge drinking. 37.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.0% report depression. 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 16.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,420. The dentist ratio is 1:1,971. 46.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
8.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
11.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.7
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
138.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Cordele vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.1% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.8% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.3% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 43.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| Uninsured | 16.9% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,420 |
| Dentists | 1:1,971 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,309 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Dental Visits | 49.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,331/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Cordele has a violent crime rate of 634 per 100,000 residents, 67% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 410.6 per 100,000, robbery at 187.5, rape at 35.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 6,106 per 100,000, 212% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,535, burglary at 1,384, vehicle theft at 187 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cordele receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cordele vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 633.8/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 35.7/100K |
| Robbery | 187.5/100K |
| Assault | 410.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,106.1/100K |
| 212% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,383.7/100K |
| Theft | 4,534.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 187.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 84 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cordele enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 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 50.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 350 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 350 ft (107 m) |
| Area | 10.2 sq mi (26.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 969/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.9561°N, 83.7701°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Crisp County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.1"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.2 on Dec 7, 2009.
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
231 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
149 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
20 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
185 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
57 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
500 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 80 fatalities, 1,328 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
73 km |
18 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
79 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
99 km |
11 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
85 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1952 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,992 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,198 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
MOSLEY ROAD |
1,201 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
807 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
POND ROAD FIRE |
738 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
582 |
91 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
508 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Cordele has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 48°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Cordele. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordele
What is the population of Cordele?
Cordele has a population of 10,107 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 969 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.6% female and 42.4% male.
Is Cordele expensive to live in?
Cordele has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $31,564, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,700 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cordele safe?
Public safety is a concern in Cordele, with a violent crime rate of 634 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 6,106 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cordele receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cordele?
Cordele enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Cordele?
The unemployment rate in Cordele is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $924. There are 625 business establishments in the area, including 57 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cordele?
The median home value in Cordele is $110,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,418. For renters, the median monthly rent is $761. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 34.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,552.
How are the schools in Cordele?
Schools in Cordele have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.3% of adults in Cordele hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cordele?
The obesity rate in Cordele is 47.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 37.3% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 16.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,420.
What is transportation like in Cordele?
The average commute in Cordele is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cordele?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cordele is 25.1% White, 72.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
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