Median Income
$68,487
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,800
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
544/100K
43% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.6%
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
26.5%
636% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ray Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population488
Median Age49.1 yrs
Density52/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$68,487
Per Capita$30,267
Unemployment26.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$252M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,800
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$138,562
Housing Units258
Rent Burden30.2%
Crime
F
Violent544/100K
Property4,810/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking17.4%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain60.2 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation699 ft (213 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.6%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+12.5%
School Score3.91
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute20 min
Broadband95.2%
EV Stations7
Libraries2
Is Ray a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ray receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Ray offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ray is $68,487, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 26.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ray is $142,800, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,810 per 100,000, 145% above the national average.
Education
23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Ray enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 60.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Ray has a population of 488 with a density of 52 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age is 49.1 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.2% female and 58.8% male. The city is predominantly White (50.2%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 45.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.1yrs
Median Age
26% 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 Ray is $68,487, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,267 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $988, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 26.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 158 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,487 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,267 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,161 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 26.5% |
| 636% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 158 |
| County GDP | $252M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,355 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ray is $142,800, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,562. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 258 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $1,355 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,562 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 258 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,355 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.95% |
In Ray, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 37.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 28.7% are physically inactive. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. 4.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ray vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.7% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:5,134 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 14,410/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Ray has a violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 residents, 43% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,810 per 100,000, 145% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ray receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ray vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 544.1/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,809.6/100K |
| 145% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ray enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 299 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 60.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 699 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 62.5°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 699 ft (213 m) |
| Area | 9.5 sq mi (24.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 52/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8681°N, 86.0453°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Coosa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Auburn University Regional (AUO)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.2"
58% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.89"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 17, 2017.
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Mar 20, 2004 |
11 km NW of Wilton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Mar 28, 1991 |
5 km NNW of Westover, Alabama |
M2.9 |
75 km |
| Apr 22, 2009 |
15 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
40 km |
| Jun 7, 2005 |
21 km WNW of Rock Creek, Alabama |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Aug 28, 2004 |
13 km SSE of Centreville, Alabama |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Feb 17, 2017 |
22 km S of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Apr 15, 2001 |
9 km E of Bon Air, Alabama |
M2.6 |
48 km |
| Apr 15, 2001 |
12 km SW of Talladega, Alabama |
M2.6 |
57 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
0 km WNW of Trussville, Alabama |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| May 28, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
0 km NNE of West Jefferson, Alabama |
M2.6 |
129 km |
| May 5, 2002 |
3 km S of Parrish, Alabama |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Sally (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
263 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 4 |
210 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
259 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
226 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
287 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 128 fatalities, 1,581 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF4 |
71 km |
23 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
31 km |
7 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
95 km |
22 |
| Jan 24, 1964 |
EF4 |
62 km |
10 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
41 km |
7 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
75 km |
7 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
93 km |
6 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
3 |
| Feb 17, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1996 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1984 |
EF3 |
65 km |
5 |
| Dec 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Nov 25, 1979 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1975 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (13,987 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
13,987 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,442 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,157 |
40 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,694 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,507 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,482 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
WIREGRASS |
3,467 |
36 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,362 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,267 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,018 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,916 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,871 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
5.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Ray has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 45°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.9") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Ray. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $494 |
| Toddler | $493 |
| Preschool | $493 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ray
What is the population of Ray?
Ray has a population of 488 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 52 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.2% female and 58.8% male.
Is Ray expensive to live in?
Ray is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,487, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,800 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ray safe?
The violent crime rate in Ray is 544 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,810 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ray receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ray?
Ray enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Ray?
The job market in Ray faces challenges, with unemployment at 26.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $988. There are 158 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ray?
The median home value in Ray is $142,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,562. The homeownership rate is 84.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,355.
How are the schools in Ray?
Schools in Ray have an average test score of 3.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.6% of adults in Ray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 12.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ray?
The obesity rate in Ray is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 28.7% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 4.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ray?
The average commute in Ray is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ray?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ray is 50.2% White, 45.9% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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