Median Income
$48,705
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$314,200
11% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.3%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.7%
94% lower than US avg
How Joseph Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,090
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density1,198/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans14.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$48,705
Per Capita$31,878
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty0.7%
County GDP$627M
Commute19 min
Housing
B
Home Value$314,200
Rent$850
Ownership70.8%
Zillow$486,646
Housing Units668
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,338/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking12.7%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain16.9 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation4,192 ft (1,278 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.3%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+12.5%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 31%
Commute19 min
Broadband76.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Joseph a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Joseph receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Joseph offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Joseph is $48,705, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Joseph is $314,200, 11% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.5x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Joseph 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 1,338 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Joseph has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Joseph has a population of 1,090 with a density of 1,198 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 14.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Joseph is $48,705, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,878 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 455 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,705 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,878 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,148 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.7% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 455 |
| County GDP | $627M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,119 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Joseph is $314,200, 11% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $486,646, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 70.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 668 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,119. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.5x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $314,200 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $486,646 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
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 | 70.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Housing Units | 668 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,119 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.99% |
In Joseph, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:580. The dentist ratio is 1:1,532. 58.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Joseph vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:580 |
| Dentists | 1:1,532 |
| Mental Health | 1:240 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,462/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Joseph has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,338 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Joseph receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Joseph vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,337.6/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 92 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Joseph has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 64°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 16.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 4,192 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,192 ft (1,278 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,198/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3525°N, 117.2304°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Wallowa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walla Walla Regional (ALW)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.9"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
180 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Feb 26, 2024 |
10 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M4.9 |
139 km |
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
110 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
63 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.8 |
123 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
134 km |
| Apr 6, 1995 |
11 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Sep 14, 2000 |
4 km W of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Mar 12, 2023 |
11 km S of Donnelly, Idaho |
M3.7 |
121 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Mar 17, 1995 |
5 km S of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Apr 6, 2002 |
9 km NW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
12 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Mar 12, 2024 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Aug 3, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
139 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
67 km |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Apr 6, 2024 |
9 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
14 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2006 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1995 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1975 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DOUBLE CREEK (171,012 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
DOUBLE CREEK |
171,012 |
49 km |
| 1994 |
CORRAL CREEK-BLACKWELL COMPLEX |
140,101 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
CORNET-WINDY RIDGE |
102,553 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
WOODHEAD |
98,995 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
TEPEE SPRINGS |
94,878 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
BATTLE CREEK COMPLEX (BATTLE CREEK) |
79,114 |
46 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
POE CABIN |
59,704 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
FOSTER GULCH |
52,496 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
SHEEP |
50,769 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
SALT COMPLEX (SALT CREEK) |
50,250 |
57 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.8 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
62°F (16°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
Joseph has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 25°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.1") and July the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Joseph. 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 | $719 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph
What is the population of Joseph?
Joseph has a population of 1,090 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 1,198 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Joseph expensive to live in?
Joseph 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 $48,705, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $314,200 (11% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Joseph safe?
Joseph 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 1,338 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Joseph receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Joseph?
Joseph has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Joseph?
The job market in Joseph is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 455 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Joseph?
The median home value in Joseph is $314,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $486,646. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,119.
How are the schools in Joseph?
Schools in Joseph score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.3% of adults in Joseph hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 12.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Joseph?
The obesity rate in Joseph is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 58.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:580.
What is transportation like in Joseph?
The average commute in Joseph is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Joseph?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Joseph is 95.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 14.9% of the population are military veterans. 27.1% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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