Median Income
$54,705
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$276,600
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
475/100K
25% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.1%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,343
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.0%
13% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How San Simeon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population301
Median Age59.3 yrs
Density376/mi²
Male / Female29% / 71%
Largest GroupWhite 44%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,705
Per Capita$29,852
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$24,505M
Housing
B+
Home Value$276,600
Rent$1,343
Ownership40.5%
Zillow$604,514
Housing Units275
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent475/100K
Property2,225/100K
Health
Obesity28.0%
Uninsured13.4%
Smoking9.0%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation229 ft (70 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.1%
High School+53.5%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 43% / D 54%
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries17
Is San Simeon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, San Simeon receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. San Simeon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in San Simeon is $54,705, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in San Simeon is $276,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,343 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 475 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,225 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
San Simeon enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
San Simeon has a population of 301 with a density of 376 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 59.3 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70.8% female and 29.2% male. The city is predominantly White (43.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 56.9% of residents, while 43.1% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.3yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
San Simeon vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
56.9%
28% below US avg
Spanish
43.1%
222% above US avg
Social Characteristics
San Simeon vs U.S. Average
The median household income in San Simeon is $54,705, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,852 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,179, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 11,662 business establishments, including 1,072 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: San Simeon vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,705 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,852 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,179 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,019 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,662 |
| County GDP | $24,505M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,072 |
| Healthcare | 1,220 |
| Retail | 1,084 |
| Manufacturing | 473 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in San Simeon is $276,600, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $604,514, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,343 (15% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 40.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 275 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $7,639 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $276,600 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $604,514 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,343 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
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 | 40.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 59.5% |
| Housing Units | 275 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In San Simeon, 28.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 9.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,205. The dentist ratio is 1:1,097. 86.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: San Simeon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.0% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.0% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.8% |
| Uninsured | 13.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,205 |
| Dentists | 1:1,097 |
| Mental Health | 1:136 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
San Simeon has a violent crime rate of 475 per 100,000 residents, 25% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,225 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, San Simeon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: San Simeon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 475.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,225.2/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 108 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
San Simeon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 326 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 29.3 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 229 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 59.9°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 229 ft (70 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 376/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6182°N, 121.1374°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | San Luis Obispo County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0404 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.39 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,312 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2004 |
2004 Parkfield, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
73 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
81 km |
| Sep 17, 1991 |
22 km NW of San Simeon, California |
M5.2 |
28 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
130 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
68 km |
| Dec 20, 1994 |
3 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
69 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
110 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
68 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
69 km |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
12 km SE of Parkfield, California |
M4.7 |
74 km |
| Feb 4, 1991 |
33 km SE of Big Sur, California |
M4.7 |
60 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
21 km NE of Soledad, California |
M4.6 |
108 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
9 km WSW of Oak Shores, California |
M4.5 |
14 km |
| Jan 12, 2011 |
9 km SSE of San Juan Bautista, California |
M4.5 |
132 km |
| May 16, 2005 |
5 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
69 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
68 km |
| Jan 20, 2015 |
27 km ENE of Greenfield, California |
M4.4 |
92 km |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
1km NNW of Tres Pinos, CA |
M4.4 |
133 km |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
14 km S of Tres Pinos, California |
M4.4 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
6 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2004 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2001 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1927 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
95 km |
| 1878 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Meteorological |
1.0 m |
1 |
61 km |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
72 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BASIN COMPLEX (164,537 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX |
164,537 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
SOBERANES |
131,921 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
DOLAN |
124,382 |
59 km |
| 1996 |
FIFTY-EIGHT |
94,704 |
83 km |
| 1985 |
LAS PILITAS |
75,841 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX (INDIANS) |
59,095 |
62 km |
| 1985 |
GORDA-RAT |
52,474 |
58 km |
| 1994 |
41 |
48,441 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
GARZA |
48,404 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
CHIMNEY |
46,950 |
15 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (HARE) |
43,054 |
57 km |
| 1985 |
CHERRY |
41,654 |
50 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
39,070 |
36 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (FIVE) |
36,162 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
MINERAL |
29,901 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
WILD |
24,439 |
44 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
23,122 |
36 km |
| 1993 |
ORCHARD |
22,309 |
97 km |
| 1985 |
LOSGATOSIV |
20,357 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
19,243 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
60°F (16°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
San Simeon has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 51°F in December to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.0 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.5") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in San Simeon. 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 | $1,564 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $1,180 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,065 |
| Toddler | $906 |
| Preschool | $927 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About San Simeon
What is the population of San Simeon?
San Simeon has a population of 301 residents and is located in California. The population density is 376 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70.8% female and 29.2% male.
Is San Simeon expensive to live in?
San Simeon 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 $54,705, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $276,600 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,343 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is San Simeon safe?
The violent crime rate in San Simeon is 475 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 2,225 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, San Simeon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in San Simeon?
San Simeon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in San Simeon?
The job market in San Simeon is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,179. There are 11,662 business establishments in the area, including 1,072 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in San Simeon?
The median home value in San Simeon is $276,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $604,514. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,343. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 40.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,639.
How are the schools in San Simeon?
Schools in San Simeon score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.1% of adults in San Simeon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.5% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is San Simeon?
The obesity rate in San Simeon is 28.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.0% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,205.
What are the demographics of San Simeon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of San Simeon is 43.5% White. 56.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 43.1% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 78.8% have health insurance coverage.
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