Median Income
$76,768
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$542,500
92% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
87/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.2%
40% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$960
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.3%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Orleans Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,618
Median Age64.4 yrs
Density697/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,768
Per Capita$52,270
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$19,298M
Commute27 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$542,500
Rent$960
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$1,041,528
Housing Units1,404
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent87/100K
Property871/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault70/100K
Burglary104/100K
Health
Obesity27.3%
Uninsured3.9%
Smoking11.7%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation40 ft (12 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.2%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+22.8%
School Score6.80
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute27 min
Broadband93.2%
EV Stations5
Libraries33
Is Orleans a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orleans receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 high housing costs. Orleans offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Orleans is $76,768, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Orleans is $542,500, making it a premium housing market at 92% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Orleans is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 871 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Orleans has a population of 1,618 with a density of 697 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 64.4 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.8% female and 34.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 3.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.4yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Orleans is $76,768, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $52,270 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,244, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 9,789 business establishments, including 1,098 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105.8, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 19.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,768 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $52,270 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,244 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $104,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,789 |
| County GDP | $19,298M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,098 |
| Healthcare | 792 |
| Retail | 1,381 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.1% |
The median home value in Orleans is $542,500, 92% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,041,528, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $960 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,822 for a one-bedroom to $2,300 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,404 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $7,218 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $542,500 |
| 92% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,041,528 |
| Median List Price | $749,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $749,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $506 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $960 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,727 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,822 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,232 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,404 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,218 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.33% |
In Orleans, 27.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 16.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 3.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112. The dentist ratio is 1:1,033. 90.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Orleans vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.7% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 3.9% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,112 |
| Dentists | 1:1,033 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.3% |
| Dental Visits | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,272/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 792 |
Orleans has a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 69.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 17.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 871 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 766, burglary at 104, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Orleans receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Orleans vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 87.1/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 17.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 69.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 870.8/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 104.5/100K |
| Theft | 766.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 71°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 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 40 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 697/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7878°N, 70.0015°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Barnstable County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Bedford Regional (EWB)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jan 27, 2025.
| Jan 27, 2025 |
9 km SE of York Harbor, Maine |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Mar 22, 1996 |
2 km NE of Bristol, Rhode Island |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Jan 10, 1999 |
2 km ENE of Merrimac, Massachusetts |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
52 km E of Chatham, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Jan 10, 1999 |
1 km NNE of Merrimac, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jul 22, 2003 |
72 km NNE of Provincetown, Massachusetts |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
52 km ENE of Rockport, Massachusetts |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Jun 7, 2010 |
29 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Mar 9, 2008 |
25 km SE of York Beach, Maine |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Oct 11, 1990 |
5 km NNE of The Pinehills, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
50 km |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
2 km E of Littleton Common, Massachusetts |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Apr 22, 1996 |
3 km NE of North Westport, Massachusetts |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Jun 7, 2002 |
3 km NNW of Hopedale, Massachusetts |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Henri (2021, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Henri |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
281 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 2009 |
Bill |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2008 |
Kyle |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 1996 |
Edouard |
Category 1 |
199 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 2 |
99 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
232 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
27 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1970 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1951 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1989 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1986 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1968 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1964 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2023 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2012 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NOMANS AERIAL RX (546 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
NOMANS AERIAL RX |
546 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Orleans has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 31°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.3") and July the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Orleans. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$265 ($159–$423) |
| Specialist Visit |
$370 ($212–$582) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$212 ($106–$370) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,328 ($846–$5,290) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$138 ($79–$212) |
| Dental Filling |
$265 ($159–$423) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$127) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$317 ($159–$529) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$635 ($423–$1,058) |
| Battery Replacement |
$212 ($106–$370) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$106 ($63–$159) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$148) |
| HVAC Repair |
$423 ($159–$846) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,406 ($4,232–$12,696) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,058 ($423–$2,116) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,522 ($5,819–$15,870) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,587 ($529–$3,703) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,870 ($5,290–$31,740) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,290 ($2,116–$10,580) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,587 ($846–$3,174) |
| Will Preparation |
$529 ($212–$1,058) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,645 ($1,058–$5,290) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$106) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$159 ($79–$265) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$69) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$85 ($53–$138) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.34 ($3.17–$5.82) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.70 ($2.65–$5.29) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.02 ($2.65–$5.82) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.76 ($3.17–$6.88) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.82 ($4.23–$7.94) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.06 ($0.63–$1.90) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$148 ($85–$265) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$159) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$127) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$106) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$69 ($32–$106) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$90 ($53–$159) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$212 ($79–$529) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,116 ($1,270–$3,703) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$138) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.46–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$106 ($32–$265) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,270 ($635–$2,645) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,116) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$423 ($212–$741) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$106) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,058 ($423–$2,645) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,225 ($5,290–$31,740) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$106) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$106 ($53–$212) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$106) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$317 ($159–$529) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$212 ($106–$423) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,524 |
| Toddler | $1,386 |
| Preschool | $1,169 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,191 |
| Toddler | $1,082 |
| Preschool | $1,082 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orleans
What is the population of Orleans?
Orleans has a population of 1,618 residents and is located in Massachusetts. The population density is 697 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65.8% female and 34.2% male.
Is Orleans expensive to live in?
Orleans is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 105.8 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $76,768, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $542,500 (92% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $960 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Orleans safe?
Orleans is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 871 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Orleans receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Orleans?
Orleans has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Orleans?
The job market in Orleans is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,244. There are 9,789 business establishments in the area, including 1,098 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 19.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Orleans?
The median home value in Orleans is $542,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,041,528. For renters, the median monthly rent is $960. Fair market rent is $1,822 for a 1-bedroom and $2,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $7,218.
How are the schools in Orleans?
Schools in Orleans score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.2% of adults in Orleans hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 22.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Orleans?
The obesity rate in Orleans is 27.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 16.7% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 3.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,112.
What is transportation like in Orleans?
The average commute in Orleans is 27 minutes. 68.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Orleans?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans is 95.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 3.4% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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