Median Income
$46,875
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$243,300
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
138/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.4%
97% higher than US avg
How Garwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population415
Median Age28.5 yrs
Density76/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,875
Per Capita$25,608
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty24.4%
County GDP$1,207M
Commute28 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$243,300
Ownership55.0%
Zillow$251,700
Housing Units185
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent138/100K
Property663/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured22.9%
Smoking19.9%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain49.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation159 ft (48 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+74.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute28 min
Broadband74.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Garwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Garwood receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Garwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Garwood is $46,875, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 24.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Garwood is $243,300, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 5.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Garwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 663 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Garwood has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Garwood has a population of 415 with a density of 76 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age is 28.5 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 63% of residents, while 37% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.5yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
63.0%
20% below US avg
Spanish
37.0%
176% above US avg
The median household income in Garwood is $46,875, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,608 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,028, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 643 business establishments, including 45 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,875 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,608 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.4% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 643 |
| County GDP | $1,207M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,234 |
| 107% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Garwood is $243,300, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,700. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 185 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $7,234 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $243,300 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,700 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.0% |
| Housing Units | 185 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,234 |
| 107% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.97% |
In Garwood, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 38.5% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 36.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 22.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,875. The dentist ratio is 1:4,151. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Garwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.7% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 22.9% |
| 166% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,875 |
| Dentists | 1:4,151 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,640 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 39.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,859/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Garwood has a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 663 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Garwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Garwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 138.2/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 663.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Garwood has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. The area gets 330 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 49.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 159 feet.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.7°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 159 ft (48 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 76/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.4415°N, 96.4134°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Colorado County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wharton Regional (WHT)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.6"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
81 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 22, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2025 |
18 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.6 |
145 km |
| Sep 14, 2023 |
16 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Jan 31, 2025 |
19 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
10 km SSE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 17, 2024 |
21 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Feb 7, 2021 |
8 km ESE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| May 14, 2019 |
1 km SSE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
20 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| May 12, 2019 |
18 km N of Yorktown, Texas |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Sep 11, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 18, 2020 |
21 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Feb 19, 2015 |
3 km N of Hallettsville, Texas |
M3.1 |
51 km |
| Jan 1, 2024 |
18 km S of Gonzales, Texas |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Mar 4, 2019 |
11 km SE of Cuero, Texas |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 3, 2019 |
13 km ESE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Sep 11, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| May 10, 2019 |
13 km SSE of Stockdale, Texas |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Sep 22, 2015 |
14 km SSW of Nixon, Texas |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Aug 30, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Aug 19, 2022 |
11 km E of Smiley, Texas |
M2.9 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
286 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
119 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
149 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
252 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
105 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 3 |
299 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
140 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
93 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 fatalities, 263 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 8, 1976 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1975 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 1968 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1966 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1961 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1957 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1953 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1950 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 2017 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2012 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BAILEY (3,136 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
BAILEY |
3,136 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
LUTHERHILL |
2,215 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
REESE LANE |
1,888 |
37 km |
| 2017 |
SALEM RD |
1,672 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
CACTUS |
1,570 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
GEORGE BUSH PARK |
1,557 |
81 km |
| 2013 |
SARGENT RANCH |
1,395 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
EL TORRO |
1,108 |
67 km |
| 1998 |
PRAUSE PRAIRIE |
1,027 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
62°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Garwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 54°F in January to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and March the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Garwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Garwood
What is the population of Garwood?
Garwood has a population of 415 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 76 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Garwood expensive to live in?
Garwood has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,875, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $243,300 (14% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Garwood safe?
Garwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 663 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Garwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Garwood?
Garwood has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Garwood?
The job market in Garwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,028. There are 643 business establishments in the area, including 45 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Garwood?
The median home value in Garwood is $243,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,700. The homeownership rate is 55.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,234.
How are the schools in Garwood?
Schools in Garwood have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.7% of adults in Garwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Garwood?
The obesity rate in Garwood is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 36.7% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 22.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,875.
What is transportation like in Garwood?
The average commute in Garwood is 28 minutes. 89.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Garwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Garwood is 96.4% White. 63% of residents speak only English at home, while 37% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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