Median Income
$83,531
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$187,200
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
193/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.3%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sussex Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population110
Median Age63.3 yrs
Density23/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans18.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,531
Per Capita$32,445
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$439M
Housing
A+
Home Value$187,200
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$179,164
Housing Units106
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent193/100K
Property1,689/100K
Health
Obesity45.3%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking18.4%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain47.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation109 ft (33 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+59.8%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 52%
Broadband57.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Sussex a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sussex receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Sussex offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sussex is $83,531, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 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 Sussex is $187,200, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sussex is below the national average at 193 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,689 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sussex enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°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 47.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Sussex has a population of 110 with a density of 23 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 63.3 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (86.4%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 10% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 18.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 34.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.3yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Sussex is $83,531, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,445 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,027, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (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 298 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,531 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,445 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,027 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,015 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 298 |
| County GDP | $439M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,738 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sussex is $187,200, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,164. Fair market rent ranges from $1,507 for a one-bedroom to $1,655 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $1,738 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $187,200 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,164 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,442 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,507 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,655 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,072 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,738 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.93% |
In Sussex, 45.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 39.5% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.6% report depression. 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,588. The dentist ratio is 1:5,340. 27.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sussex vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.3% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.5% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 45.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,588 |
| Dentists | 1:5,340 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,379 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Sussex has a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,689 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sussex receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sussex vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 193.1/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,689.2/100K |
| 14% below 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 |
Sussex enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°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 47.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 109 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.4°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 109 ft (33 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 23/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9174°N, 77.2719°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Sussex County County |
| Nearest Airport | Franklin Regional (FKN)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.6"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
34 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
125 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
130 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
117 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
74 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Feb 19, 2012 |
12 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Aug 29, 2011 |
10 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M2.7 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
16 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
243 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
202 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
142 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
259 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
45 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
105 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 2 |
175 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
215 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 2 |
230 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
247 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
251 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
139 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
202 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
378 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 760 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
34 km |
4 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
12 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1986 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1978 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2018 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LATERAL WEST (6,188 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
LATERAL WEST |
6,188 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
SOUTH 1 |
5,940 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
OLD STAGE ROAD |
2,238 |
24 km |
| 2008 |
MCPHERSON ROAD |
2,087 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
LYNCH ROAD |
1,824 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
SE BLOCKS |
1,278 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
POCAHONTAS ROAD |
1,146 |
35 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,091 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
SYCAMORE SHORES |
1,044 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
VAGDR FY17 RX DGIF SUPPORT |
674 |
17 km |
| 2006 |
WEST DRUMMOND |
562 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
VAJRR-FY19-RX-FUEL REDUCTION |
514 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Sussex has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 38°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and November the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Sussex. 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 | $842 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $558 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sussex
What is the population of Sussex?
Sussex has a population of 110 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 23 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Sussex expensive to live in?
Sussex 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 $83,531, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $187,200 (34% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sussex safe?
Sussex is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 193 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,689 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sussex receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sussex?
Sussex enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°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 47.6 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Sussex?
The job market in Sussex is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,027. There are 298 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Sussex?
The median home value in Sussex is $187,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,164. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $1,738.
How are the schools in Sussex?
Schools in Sussex score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in Sussex hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.8% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sussex?
The obesity rate in Sussex is 45.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,588.
What are the demographics of Sussex?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sussex is 86.4% White, 10% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 18.2% of the population are military veterans. 34.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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