Median Income
$50,547
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,300
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
186/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,051
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
8% higher than US avg
How Hancock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population876
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density558/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$50,547
Per Capita$26,273
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty13.4%
County GDP$2,652M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,300
Rent$1,051
Ownership56.6%
Zillow$337,714
Housing Units571
Rent Burden34.8%
Crime
F
Violent186/100K
Property1,776/100K
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking15.4%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain51.4 in/yr
Sunny Days271/yr
Elevation908 ft (277 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.41
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute32 min
Broadband92.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Hancock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hancock receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Hancock has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hancock is $50,547, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hancock is $145,300, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,051 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hancock is below the national average at 186 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,776 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Hancock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 271 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.4 inches, including 69.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Hancock has a population of 876 with a density of 558 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Hancock is $50,547, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,273 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,017, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,445 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,547 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,273 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,017 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,718 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.4% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,445 |
| County GDP | $2,652M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 199 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,971 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Hancock is $145,300, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,714, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,051 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 571 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,971 (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 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,300 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $337,714 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,051 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.4% |
| Housing Units | 571 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,971 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.80% |
In Hancock, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707. The dentist ratio is 1:1,706. 60.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hancock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,707 |
| Dentists | 1:1,706 |
| Mental Health | 1:854 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,326/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Hancock has a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,776 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hancock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hancock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.2/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,776.4/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 50 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hancock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 271 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 51.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 69.2 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 908 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 271 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 908 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 558/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9530°N, 75.2821°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sullivan County International (MSV)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.4"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 5, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
146 km |
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| May 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 |
12 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Aug 5, 2025 |
1 km N of Hillsdale, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 |
9 km SW of Altamont, New York |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
15 km N of Medusa, New York |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Feb 20, 2009 |
15 km SSW of Altamont, New York |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Mendham, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
2 km WSW of Brewster Hill, New York |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
205 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
153 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 71 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
73 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
147 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
ROOSA GAP |
2,747 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,224 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
SAMS POINT FIRE-VERKEERDER FIRE |
1,929 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
CHERRYTOWN FIRE |
943 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
WHITEHOUSE |
607 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Hancock has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 21°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Hancock. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Hancock
What is the population of Hancock?
Hancock has a population of 876 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 558 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Hancock expensive to live in?
Hancock is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,547, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,300 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,051 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hancock safe?
Hancock is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,776 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hancock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hancock?
Hancock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 271 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.4 inches, with 69.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Hancock?
The unemployment rate in Hancock is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,017. There are 1,445 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hancock?
The median home value in Hancock is $145,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $337,714. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,051. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,971.
How are the schools in Hancock?
Schools in Hancock score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Hancock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hancock?
The obesity rate in Hancock is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 60.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,707.
What is transportation like in Hancock?
The average commute in Hancock is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hancock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hancock is 91.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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