Median Income
$38,250
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,800
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
333/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$398
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Portia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population441
Median Age50.3 yrs
Density342/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$38,250
Per Capita$36,810
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$559M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,800
Rent$398
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$106,293
Housing Units234
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent333/100K
Property555/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking19.7%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain47.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation263 ft (80 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+65.9%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score4.79
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute25 min
Broadband49.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Portia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Portia receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Portia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Portia is $38,250, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Portia is $82,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $398 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Portia is below the national average at 333 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 555 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Portia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Portia has a population of 441 with a density of 342 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 50.3 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 35.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.3yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Portia is $38,250, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,810. The average weekly wage is $834, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 397 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,250 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,810 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $834 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,419 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 397 |
| County GDP | $559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,527 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Portia is $82,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,293, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $398 (66% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 234 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $1,527 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $106,293 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $398 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 234 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,527 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.84% |
In Portia, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 37.9% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 33.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,258. The dentist ratio is 1:3,241. 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Portia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.0% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,258 |
| Dentists | 1:3,241 |
| Mental Health | 1:441 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 53.3% |
| Premature Death | 14,246/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Portia has a violent crime rate of 333 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 555 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Portia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Portia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 332.8/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 554.7/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Portia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 47.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 263 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.9°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 263 ft (80 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 342/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.0849°N, 91.0710°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walnut Ridge Regional (ARG)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.5"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
495 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
147 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
124 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
88 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
82 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
149 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
105 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
144 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
80 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
44 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
45 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
120 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
70 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
499 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 98 fatalities, 1,587 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
57 km |
8 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
84 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
70 km |
5 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
41 km |
35 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
60 km |
7 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
7 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
81 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,493 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF MOUNTAIN RX |
3,140 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
HANES 1 |
3,139 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
MUD POND |
3,030 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
WOLF MTN |
2,801 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
FREMONT PINEKNOT A |
2,506 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
BEAR PEN RX |
2,302 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
FOZZIE |
2,172 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
HODO 4 |
1,859 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
1,853 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,783 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
RX EXPERIMENTAL FOREST |
1,712 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,654 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Portia has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and June the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Portia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Portia
What is the population of Portia?
Portia has a population of 441 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 342 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is Portia expensive to live in?
Portia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $38,250, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,800 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $398 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Portia safe?
Portia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 333 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 555 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Portia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Portia?
Portia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.5 inches, with 3.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Portia?
The job market in Portia is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $834. There are 397 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Portia?
The median home value in Portia is $82,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,293. For renters, the median monthly rent is $398. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,527.
How are the schools in Portia?
Schools in Portia have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.5% of adults in Portia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.9% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Portia?
The obesity rate in Portia is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 33.0% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 35.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,258.
What is transportation like in Portia?
The average commute in Portia is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Portia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Portia is 98.6% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 35.1% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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