Median Income
$69,125
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,300
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$879
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Lykens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,830
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density1,500/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$69,125
Per Capita$31,945
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$28,909M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,300
Rent$879
Ownership59.6%
Zillow$133,248
Housing Units906
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property511/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary170/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Smoking26.6%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation716 ft (218 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute31 min
Broadband76.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Lykens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lykens receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lykens offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lykens is $69,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lykens is $101,300, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $879 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lykens 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 511 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lykens experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches, including 29.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Lykens has a population of 1,830 with a density of 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (81.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Lykens is $69,125, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,945 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,308. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 7,552 business establishments, including 716 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 18.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,125 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,945 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,308 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,173 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,552 |
| County GDP | $28,909M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 716 |
| Healthcare | 979 |
| Retail | 898 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,206 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 49.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.5% |
The median home value in Lykens is $101,300, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,248, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $879 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 906 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,206 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,300 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,248 |
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $70 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 28.6% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $879 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Housing Units | 906 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,206 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.13% |
In Lykens, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 26.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:968. The dentist ratio is 1:1,350. 88.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lykens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Kidney Disease | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.6% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 45.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:968 |
| Dentists | 1:1,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:346 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,617/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 979 |
Lykens has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 511 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 341, burglary at 170, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lykens receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Lykens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 510.8/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Burglary | 170.3/100K |
| Theft | 340.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Lykens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 43.1 inches. The area receives 29.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 716 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 716 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5641°N, 76.6984°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Dauphin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Harrisburg International (MDT)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0450 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
62 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
64 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
70 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
62 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
73 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
58 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
58 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
57 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
140 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 2 |
270 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
314 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
78 km |
6 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1950 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
HOPEWELL FIRE |
812 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-3°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Lykens has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 28°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Lykens. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Lykens
What is the population of Lykens?
Lykens has a population of 1,830 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,500 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Lykens expensive to live in?
Lykens has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $69,125, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,300 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $879 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lykens safe?
Lykens 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 511 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lykens receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lykens?
Lykens has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches, with 29.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Lykens?
Lykens has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,308. There are 7,552 business establishments in the area, including 716 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 18.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lykens?
The median home value in Lykens is $101,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,248. For renters, the median monthly rent is $879. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,206.
How are the schools in Lykens?
Schools in Lykens score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Lykens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lykens?
The obesity rate in Lykens is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.6% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 88.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:968.
What is transportation like in Lykens?
The average commute in Lykens is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 49.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lykens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lykens is 81.4% White. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
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