Median Income
$48,438
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,800
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.0%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$752
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Fossil Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population448
Median Age53.7 yrs
Density574/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans15.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,438
Per Capita$31,690
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$52M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,800
Rent$752
Ownership77.6%
Zillow$257,725
Housing Units268
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking15.9%
Depression30.2%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain15.1 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,658 ft (810 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.0%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 24%
Commute11 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Fossil a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fossil receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Fossil offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fossil is $48,438, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fossil is $143,800, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $752 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fossil is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Fossil experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Fossil has a population of 448 with a density of 574 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 53.7 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.9% female and 43.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 15.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.7yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Fossil is $48,438, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,690 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $820, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 72 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,438 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,690 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $820 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,653 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 72 |
| County GDP | $52M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.9% |
| Public Transit | 8.1% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in Fossil is $143,800, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,725, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $752 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 268 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,725 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $752 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,051 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,143 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,425 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,963 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,318 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.4% |
| Housing Units | 268 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
In Fossil, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 30.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:482. 12.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fossil vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 30.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:482 |
| Mental Health | 1:359 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,380/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.6% |
Fossil has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Fossil vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 114 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Fossil experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 311 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 15.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,658 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,658 ft (810 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 574/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9981°N, 120.2146°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Wheeler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Gorge Regional/The Dalles Municipal (DLS)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.1"
60% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
2.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
164 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 6, 2023.
| Jun 29, 2002 |
6 km ENE of Government Camp, Oregon |
M4.5 |
121 km |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
30 km S of White Swan, Washington |
M4.2 |
130 km |
| Jul 14, 2008 |
11 km ESE of Maupin, Oregon |
M4.2 |
60 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
6 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M4.1 |
23 km |
| Oct 9, 1998 |
20 km S of White Swan, Washington |
M4.0 |
139 km |
| Jun 6, 2021 |
6 km NE of Government Camp, Oregon |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
108 km |
| Nov 18, 1997 |
20 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.9 |
129 km |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
10 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
25 km |
| Jun 14, 2007 |
12 km ESE of Maupin, Oregon |
M3.8 |
59 km |
| Jun 29, 2002 |
7 km NE of Government Camp, Oregon |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Apr 5, 2008 |
12 km ESE of Maupin, Oregon |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Feb 1, 2000 |
7 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.6 |
23 km |
| Jan 2, 2010 |
10 km ESE of Maupin, Oregon |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
Washington-Oregon border region |
M3.6 |
58 km |
| Apr 20, 2009 |
10 km ESE of Maupin, Oregon |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Oct 19, 1990 |
6 km NE of Government Camp, Oregon |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Aug 31, 1999 |
Washington-Oregon border region |
M3.5 |
23 km |
| Feb 9, 2021 |
0 km SE of Parkdale, Oregon |
M3.5 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 19, 2004 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2016 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2011 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2004 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2003 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1993 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1970 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1957 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
11 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Hood (123 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Hood |
Stratovolcano |
3,426 m (11,240 ft) |
1866 |
123 km |
| Jefferson |
Stratovolcano |
3,199 m (10,495 ft) |
950 |
130 km |
| Belknap |
Shield(s) |
2,095 m (6,873 ft) |
480 |
151 km |
| Sand Mountain Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,664 m (5,459 ft) |
-950 |
152 km |
| Three Sisters |
Complex |
3,159 m (10,364 ft) |
440 |
156 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
163 km |
| Bachelor |
Stratovolcano |
2,763 m (9,065 ft) |
-5800 |
163 km |
| Newberry |
Shield |
2,434 m (7,986 ft) |
690 |
163 km |
| Adams |
Stratovolcano |
3,742 m (12,277 ft) |
950 |
167 km |
| Devils Garden |
Volcanic field |
1,698 m (5,571 ft) |
Unknown |
173 km |
| West Crater |
Volcanic field |
1,329 m (4,360 ft) |
-5750 |
176 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BATTLE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (184,979 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BATTLE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX |
184,979 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
SIMNASHO |
118,466 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
BOXCAR 0410 RN |
99,874 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
HANCOCK COMPLEX |
71,495 |
16 km |
| 2017 |
NENA SPRINGS |
70,074 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
SUBSTATION 0730 RN |
69,109 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
COUNTY LINE 2 |
68,189 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
0655 RAZOR BACK EAST |
65,350 |
64 km |
| 2023 |
NEWELL ROAD |
61,833 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
MONUMENT COMPLEX (RED HILL FIRE) |
54,572 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
BIG HORN |
51,023 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
SUNNYSIDE TURNOFF |
50,028 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
STUBBLEFIELD 1008 RN |
49,160 |
31 km |
| 2018 |
JENNIES PEAK 1039 RN |
47,664 |
21 km |
| 2008 |
COAL PLANT |
45,801 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
BLACK ROCK |
40,760 |
27 km |
| 2014 |
SHANIKO BUTTE |
39,852 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
HIGHWAY 8 |
35,296 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
LONG HOLLOW 0806 RN |
33,662 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
LECLAIRE |
32,087 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
58°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
Fossil has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 32°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.2") and July the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fossil. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil
What is the population of Fossil?
Fossil has a population of 448 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 574 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.9% female and 43.1% male.
Is Fossil expensive to live in?
Fossil has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $48,438, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,800 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $752 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fossil safe?
Fossil is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Fossil?
Fossil has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Fossil?
The job market in Fossil is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $820. There are 72 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fossil?
The median home value in Fossil is $143,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,725. For renters, the median monthly rent is $752. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.6%.
How are the schools in Fossil?
Schools in Fossil score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.0% of adults in Fossil hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fossil?
The obesity rate in Fossil is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 30.2% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 12.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Fossil?
The average commute in Fossil is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.9% of workers drive alone to work, 8.1% use public transit, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fossil?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fossil is 94.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 15.9% of the population are military veterans. 32.0% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
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