Median Income
$50,179
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,600
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,617/100K
326% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.7%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$904
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Hessmer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population904
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density1,089/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,179
Per Capita$29,558
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$7,414M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,600
Rent$904
Ownership54.3%
Zillow$138,372
Housing Units303
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,617/100K
Property6,685/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking19.7%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain60.1 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation77 ft (23 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.7%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score4.58
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute37 min
Broadband78.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Hessmer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hessmer receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, long commute times. Hessmer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hessmer is $50,179, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hessmer is $160,600, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $904 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,617 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 6,685 per 100,000, 241% above the national average.
Education
10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Hessmer enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Hessmer has a population of 904 with a density of 1,089 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.4% female and 41.6% male. The city is predominantly White (78.2%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 10.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.3% of residents, while 21.7% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.3%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.7%
62% above US avg
The median household income in Hessmer is $50,179, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,558 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 4,093 business establishments, including 259 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,179 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,558 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,140 |
| Gini Index | 0.479 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,093 |
| County GDP | $7,414M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 259 |
| Healthcare | 580 |
| Retail | 535 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,379 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Hessmer is $160,600, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,372, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $904 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 303 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $3,379. 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,600 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,372 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $904 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.7% |
| Housing Units | 303 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,379 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Hessmer, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 39.5% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,191. The dentist ratio is 1:1,898. 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hessmer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.5% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,191 |
| Dentists | 1:1,898 |
| Mental Health | 1:170 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
| Premature Death | 15,366/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 580 |
Hessmer has a violent crime rate of 1,617 per 100,000 residents, 326% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,685 per 100,000, 241% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Hessmer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hessmer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,617.3/100K |
| 326% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,684.6/100K |
| 241% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hessmer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 313 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 60.1 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 77 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.9°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 77 ft (23 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,089/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.0534°N, 92.1215°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rapides Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Esler Regional (ESF)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.1"
58% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
200 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
136 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
113 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
233 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
130 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
240 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
199 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
283 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 2 |
118 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
74 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
271 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
225 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
180 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
563 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 543 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 3, 1953 |
EF4 |
89 km |
9 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Sep 24, 2005 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
15 km |
1 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1981 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1969 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (12,496 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
48 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,381 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
C-43/44 |
5,340 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,044 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,498 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
44 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALV C-262-265 |
4,445 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,440 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,310 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
C-238 |
3,709 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
WRANGLER |
3,693 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
RX CAT C-40-41-42 |
3,635 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,599 |
68 km |
| 2019 |
ZION HILL RANGE 9 C-252/253/254/257 |
3,595 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
C-110/111 |
3,516 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
Hessmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.5") and August the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in Hessmer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $678 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $635 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $602 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hessmer
What is the population of Hessmer?
Hessmer has a population of 904 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,089 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.4% female and 41.6% male.
Is Hessmer expensive to live in?
Hessmer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,179, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,600 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $904 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hessmer safe?
Public safety is a concern in Hessmer, with a violent crime rate of 1,617 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 6,685 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hessmer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hessmer?
Hessmer enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Hessmer?
The job market in Hessmer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 4,093 business establishments in the area, including 259 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hessmer?
The median home value in Hessmer is $160,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,372. For renters, the median monthly rent is $904. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,379.
How are the schools in Hessmer?
Schools in Hessmer have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.7% of adults in Hessmer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hessmer?
The obesity rate in Hessmer is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,191.
What is transportation like in Hessmer?
The average commute in Hessmer is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hessmer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hessmer is 78.2% White, 10.8% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 78.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.7% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 83.7% have health insurance coverage.
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