Median Income
$19,583
74% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.5%
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.7%
59% higher than US avg
How Rock Mills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population437
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density69/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$19,583
Per Capita$21,426
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty19.7%
County GDP$1,504M
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,800
Ownership76.0%
Zillow$144,898
Housing Units279
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property2,156/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking19.5%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.0 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation817 ft (249 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.5%
High School+76.3%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score4.40
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 14%
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Rock Mills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rock Mills receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Rock Mills has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rock Mills is $19,583, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 19.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rock Mills is $73,800, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rock Mills is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,156 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rock Mills enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Rock Mills has a population of 437 with a density of 69 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.6% female and 39.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rock Mills vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rock Mills vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rock Mills is $19,583, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,426 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,188, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 176 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rock Mills vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $19,583 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,426 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,188 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,592 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 176 |
| County GDP | $1,504M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,979 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 93.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Rock Mills is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,898, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 279 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $2,979. 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $144,898 |
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 | 76.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.0% |
| Housing Units | 279 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,979 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.04% |
In Rock Mills, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,782. 0.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rock Mills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,782 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,008 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 50.9% |
| Premature Death | 14,528/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Rock Mills has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,156 per 100,000, 10% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rock Mills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rock Mills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 182.5/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,156.2/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rock Mills enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 304 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 53.0 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 817 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 817 ft (249 m) |
| Area | 6.3 sq mi (16.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 69/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1599°N, 85.2811°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Heard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Auburn University Regional (AUO)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.0"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 12, 2022.
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Mar 28, 1991 |
5 km NNW of Westover, Alabama |
M2.9 |
121 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
46 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
0 km WNW of Trussville, Alabama |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km ENE of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Apr 15, 2001 |
9 km E of Bon Air, Alabama |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| Apr 15, 2001 |
12 km SW of Talladega, Alabama |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Jun 2, 2017 |
7 km NW of Broomtown, Alabama |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| Jan 4, 2008 |
14 km N of Hollins, Alabama |
M2.5 |
79 km |
| May 11, 1998 |
2 km SSE of Glencoe, Alabama |
M2.5 |
104 km |
| Oct 6, 2003 |
11 km SW of Talladega, Alabama |
M2.5 |
90 km |
| Jul 15, 2003 |
6 km ENE of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 17, 2009 |
5 km W of Ragland, Alabama |
M2.5 |
108 km |
| Oct 11, 1999 |
5 km WSW of Highland Lake, Alabama |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
4 km ESE of Trussville, Alabama |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Jan 28, 1998 |
7 km NNW of Broomtown, Alabama |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| May 4, 1990 |
4 km WSW of Menlo, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
5 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 2 |
278 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
175 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 2 |
300 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
249 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
526 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 75 fatalities, 1,600 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF4 |
81 km |
23 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
61 km |
7 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
6 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1996 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,740 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
76 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
69 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,844 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,157 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
SC 540C/CHOCCOLOCCO |
3,750 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
WIREGRASS |
3,467 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,188 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
BANKHEAD I |
3,027 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,871 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
AL-MLR UNITS 2/3 RX |
2,836 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,777 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Rock Mills has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 43°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Rock Mills. 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 | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Mills
What is the population of Rock Mills?
Rock Mills has a population of 437 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 69 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.6% female and 39.4% male.
Is Rock Mills expensive to live in?
Rock Mills 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 $19,583, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rock Mills safe?
Rock Mills is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,156 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rock Mills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rock Mills?
Rock Mills enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Rock Mills?
The job market in Rock Mills is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,188. There are 176 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Rock Mills?
The median home value in Rock Mills is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $144,898. The homeownership rate is 76.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,979.
How are the schools in Rock Mills?
Schools in Rock Mills have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.5% of adults in Rock Mills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rock Mills?
The obesity rate in Rock Mills is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 0.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,782.
What are the demographics of Rock Mills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Mills is 93.8% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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