Median Income
$55,000
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,400
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
409/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.8%
117% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ridgecrest Heights Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population355
Median Age53.3 yrs
Density592/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans29.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,000
Per Capita$27,493
Unemployment7.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$63,070M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,400
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$265,453
Housing Units218
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent409/100K
Property1,630/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking14.6%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (19°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain4.7 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,427 ft (740 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Commute15 min
Broadband61.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries28
Is Ridgecrest Heights a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ridgecrest Heights receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Ridgecrest Heights has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ridgecrest Heights is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ridgecrest Heights is $104,400, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,630 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Ridgecrest Heights enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 88°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 4.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Ridgecrest Heights has a population of 355 with a density of 592 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 53.3 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 29.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.3yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ridgecrest Heights vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ridgecrest Heights vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ridgecrest Heights is $55,000, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,493 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,155, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.8% (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 27,950 business establishments, including 1,569 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ridgecrest Heights vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,493 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,155 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,998 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.8% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 27,950 |
| County GDP | $63,070M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,569 |
| Healthcare | 1,838 |
| Retail | 2,004 |
| Manufacturing | 417 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ridgecrest Heights is $104,400, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 218 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,285 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,400 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $265,453 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 218 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,285 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.06% |
In Ridgecrest Heights, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.4% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,901. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ridgecrest Heights vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,901 |
| Mental Health | 1:393 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,838 |
Ridgecrest Heights has a violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,630 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 197 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 273 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ridgecrest Heights receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ridgecrest Heights vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 409.3/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,630.3/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 197 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ridgecrest Heights enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 88°F in July. The area gets 330 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 4.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 2,427 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
88°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 65.3°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 88°F (31°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,427 ft (740 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 592/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6019°N, 117.7042°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Kern County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bob Hope (BUR)
104 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.7"
88% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.75"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 15.9 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.25 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8,367 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M7.1 |
21 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
21 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
97 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
19 km |
| Jul 11, 1992 |
12km NW of California City, California |
M5.7 |
55 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
25 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
34 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
34 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
21 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
20 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
53 km |
| Mar 18, 1997 |
20km ENE of Barstow, California |
M5.3 |
107 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
52 km |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
24 km SW of Lamont, CA |
M5.2 |
138 km |
| May 28, 1993 |
21km SW of Lamont, California |
M5.2 |
137 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
89 km |
| Jan 7, 1996 |
16km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.2 |
19 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
49 km |
| Mar 7, 1998 |
30km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.0 |
53 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
25km SSW of Bodfish, California |
M5.0 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
5 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2007 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF0 |
4 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1991 |
EF0 |
9 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Golden Trout Creek (101 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
101 km |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
159 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCNALLY (146,540 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
MCNALLY |
146,540 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
WINDY |
97,831 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
MANTER |
76,158 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
ERSKINE |
48,066 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
COLES FLAT |
41,143 |
53 km |
| 2008 |
PIUTE |
36,251 |
59 km |
| 2016 |
CEDAR |
29,191 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
FRENCH |
27,331 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
BRECKENRIDGE COMPLEX |
27,229 |
93 km |
| 1984 |
BODFISH |
23,189 |
62 km |
| 1990 |
STORMY |
23,157 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
BULL |
17,238 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
SCHAEFFER |
16,100 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
CLOVER |
14,778 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
CANYON |
14,707 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
JAWBONE COMPLEX |
12,211 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
WHITE |
11,784 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
CANYON |
11,064 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
FAY |
10,177 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
CHINA LAKE |
10,165 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
88°F (31°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ridgecrest Heights has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 46°F in January to 88°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (0.8") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Ridgecrest Heights. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,527 |
| Toddler | $892 |
| Preschool | $739 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,029 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $826 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgecrest Heights
What is the population of Ridgecrest Heights?
Ridgecrest Heights has a population of 355 residents and is located in California. The population density is 592 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Ridgecrest Heights expensive to live in?
Ridgecrest Heights is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,400 (63% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ridgecrest Heights safe?
The violent crime rate in Ridgecrest Heights is 409 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 1,630 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ridgecrest Heights receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ridgecrest Heights?
Ridgecrest Heights enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 88°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 4.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Ridgecrest Heights?
The unemployment rate in Ridgecrest Heights is 7.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,155. There are 27,950 business establishments in the area, including 1,569 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ridgecrest Heights?
The median home value in Ridgecrest Heights is $104,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $265,453. The homeownership rate is 67.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,285.
How are the schools in Ridgecrest Heights?
Schools in Ridgecrest Heights have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.8% of adults in Ridgecrest Heights hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ridgecrest Heights?
The obesity rate in Ridgecrest Heights is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Ridgecrest Heights?
The average commute in Ridgecrest Heights is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ridgecrest Heights?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ridgecrest Heights is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 29.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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