Median Income
$35,938
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,000
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
525/100K
38% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.3%
144% higher than US avg
How Shirley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population307
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density127/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,938
Per Capita$22,295
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty30.3%
County GDP$484M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,000
Rent$625
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$184,831
Housing Units136
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent525/100K
Property2,624/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.0%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.9 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation550 ft (168 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute41 min
Broadband81.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Shirley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shirley 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, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Shirley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shirley is $35,938, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 30.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shirley is $92,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 525 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,624 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Shirley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shirley has a population of 307 with a density of 127 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.2%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.8%
27% below US avg
The median household income in Shirley is $35,938, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,295 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $844, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 350 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,938 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,295 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $844 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,577 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.3% |
| 144% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 350 |
| County GDP | $484M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,190 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Shirley is $92,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,831, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 136 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $2,190 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,831 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 136 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,190 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.38% |
In Shirley, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,923. The dentist ratio is 1:1,789. 42.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shirley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,923 |
| Dentists | 1:1,789 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,076 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,385/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Shirley has a violent crime rate of 525 per 100,000 residents, 38% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,624 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shirley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shirley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 524.7/100K |
| 38% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,623.5/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shirley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 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 51.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 550 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 59.7°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 127/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6438°N, 92.3135°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Batesville Regional (BVX)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.9"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.51"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
257 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 3, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
42 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
45 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
42 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
43 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
43 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
10 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
55 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
44 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
43 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
42 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
66 km |
| Mar 3, 2011 |
0 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
45 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
43 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 161 fatalities, 1,929 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
91 km |
13 |
| Apr 14, 1996 |
EF4 |
20 km |
7 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
100 km |
5 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
14 km |
2 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
76 km |
7 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
50 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
4 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
45 km |
5 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 2002 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,993 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,993 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,368 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
9,226 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
8,286 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,457 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,354 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
LITTLE PINEY |
5,782 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,504 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
SULPHUR CREEK 2 |
5,469 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,118 |
56 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,912 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,900 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,873 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,493 |
45 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Shirley has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 38°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Shirley. 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 Shirley
What is the population of Shirley?
Shirley has a population of 307 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 127 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Shirley expensive to live in?
Shirley 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 $35,938, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,000 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shirley safe?
The violent crime rate in Shirley is 525 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 2,624 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Shirley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shirley?
Shirley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.9 inches, with 4.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shirley?
The job market in Shirley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $844. There are 350 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley is $92,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,831. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,190.
How are the schools in Shirley?
Schools in Shirley score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Shirley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shirley?
The obesity rate in Shirley is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 42.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,923.
What is transportation like in Shirley?
The average commute in Shirley is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shirley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shirley is 96.7% White. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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