Median Income
$62,123
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$246,200
13% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.4%
4% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$925
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Detroit Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,002
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density845/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,123
Per Capita$46,126
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$2,058M
Commute14 min
Housing
A
Home Value$246,200
Rent$925
Ownership59.6%
Zillow$353,478
Housing Units4,893
Rent Burden29.5%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property2,873/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault85/100K
Burglary192/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.4%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain29.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,344 ft (410 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.4%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score6.20
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute14 min
Broadband90.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Detroit Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Detroit Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Detroit Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Detroit Lakes is $246,200, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Detroit Lakes is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,873 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Detroit Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.5 inches, including 47.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Detroit Lakes has a population of 10,002 with a density of 845 people per square mile, spread across 15.2 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 5.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Detroit Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Detroit Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,126 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,140 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Detroit Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,123 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,126 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,290 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,140 |
| County GDP | $2,058M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 95 |
| Retail | 135 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,803 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Detroit Lakes is $246,200, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,478, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $925 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,893 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,803 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $246,200 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $353,478 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,893 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,803 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.95% |
In Detroit Lakes, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,258. The dentist ratio is 1:1,415. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
2.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
2.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
141.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Detroit Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,258 |
| Dentists | 1:1,415 |
| Mental Health | 1:379 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 95 |
Detroit Lakes has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 85.5 per 100,000, robbery at 32.0, rape at 32.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,873 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,596, burglary at 192, vehicle theft at 85 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Detroit Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Detroit Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 149.5/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 32.0/100K |
| Robbery | 32.0/100K |
| Assault | 85.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,873.3/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
| Burglary | 192.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,595.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 85.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 442 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Detroit Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 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 29.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,344 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,344 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 15.2 sq mi (39.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 845/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8076°N, 95.8466°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Becker County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.5"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0425 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
131 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
393 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 164 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROTHSAY (3,015 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
51 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
41 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
78 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
26 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,341 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
49 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
56 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
47 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
36 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
36 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
931 |
67 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
888 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
HILLICKSON 05 |
818 |
34 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
807 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Detroit Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 7°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Detroit Lakes. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit Lakes
What is the population of Detroit Lakes?
Detroit Lakes has a population of 10,002 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 845 people per square mile, spread across 15.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Detroit Lakes expensive to live in?
Detroit Lakes has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,123, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $246,200 (13% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Detroit Lakes safe?
Detroit Lakes is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,873 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Detroit Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Detroit Lakes?
Detroit Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.5 inches, with 47.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Detroit Lakes?
Detroit Lakes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,024. There are 1,140 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Detroit Lakes?
The median home value in Detroit Lakes is $246,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $353,478. For renters, the median monthly rent is $925. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,803.
How are the schools in Detroit Lakes?
Schools in Detroit Lakes score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.4% of adults in Detroit Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Detroit Lakes?
The obesity rate in Detroit Lakes is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,258.
What is transportation like in Detroit Lakes?
The average commute in Detroit Lakes is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Detroit Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Detroit Lakes is 92% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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