Median Income
$41,102
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,300
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
368/100K
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$756
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
73% higher than US avg
How South Boston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,896
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density605/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 41%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,102
Per Capita$24,427
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty21.4%
County GDP$1,638M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,300
Rent$756
Ownership49.5%
Zillow$147,036
Housing Units3,724
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent368/100K
Property4,460/100K
Murder26.3/100K
Assault250/100K
Burglary684/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured12.4%
Smoking20.1%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation390 ft (119 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+85.2%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.13
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute17 min
Broadband64.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is South Boston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Boston receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. South Boston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Boston is $41,102, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Boston is $157,300, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Boston is below the national average at 368 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,460 per 100,000, 128% above the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
South Boston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches, including 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
South Boston has a population of 7,896 with a density of 605 people per square mile, spread across 13.1 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.2% female and 43.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.6%), with 41.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Boston vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Boston vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Boston is $41,102, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,427 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,022 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Boston vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,102 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,427 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,096 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,022 |
| County GDP | $1,638M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 118 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in South Boston is $157,300, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,036. Monthly rent averages $756 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,724 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,029 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,300 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,036 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $756 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,380 |
| Rent Burden | 32.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.5% |
| Housing Units | 3,724 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,029 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.29% |
In South Boston, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 42.1% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.4% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595. The dentist ratio is 1:2,103. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Boston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.1% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.4% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,595 |
| Dentists | 1:2,103 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,971/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
South Boston has a violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 residents, 3% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 250.0 per 100,000, robbery at 52.6, rape at 39.5. The murder rate is 26.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,460 per 100,000, 128% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,697, burglary at 684, vehicle theft at 79 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Boston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Boston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 368.4/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| Murder | 26.3/100K |
| 318% above US avg |
| Rape | 39.5/100K |
| Robbery | 52.6/100K |
| Assault | 250.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,459.9/100K |
| 128% above US avg |
| Burglary | 684.1/100K |
| Theft | 3,696.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 78.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 122 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Boston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 390 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 390 ft (119 m) |
| Area | 13.1 sq mi (33.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 605/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7118°N, 78.9134°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Halifax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Danville Regional (DAN)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Nov 25, 2009 |
14 km S of Arrington, Virginia |
M2.7 |
94 km |
| Mar 13, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Feb 26, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Goochland, Virginia |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
123 km |
| Sep 3, 2001 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
9 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Florence (2018, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
297 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
108 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
255 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
224 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
169 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
273 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
214 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 259 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOTIERS FERRY (1,075 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
TOTIERS FERRY |
1,075 |
65 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
South Boston has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and November the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in South Boston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $504 |
| Toddler | $368 |
| Preschool | $368 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Boston
What is the population of South Boston?
South Boston has a population of 7,896 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 605 people per square mile, spread across 13.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.2% female and 43.8% male.
Is South Boston expensive to live in?
South Boston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $41,102, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,300 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $756 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Boston safe?
South Boston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,460 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Boston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Boston?
South Boston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches, with 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in South Boston?
The job market in South Boston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 1,022 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Boston?
The median home value in South Boston is $157,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,036. For renters, the median monthly rent is $756. Fair market rent is $1,181 for a 1-bedroom and $1,369 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,029.
How are the schools in South Boston?
Schools in South Boston score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in South Boston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Boston?
The obesity rate in South Boston is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 12.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,595.
What is transportation like in South Boston?
The average commute in South Boston is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Boston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Boston is 41.2% White, 55.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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