Median Income
$120,500
60% higher than US avg
Home Value
$190,500
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
181/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.7%
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sweetwater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population168
Median Age53.8 yrs
Density141/mi²
Male / Female67% / 33%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$120,500
Per Capita$46,296
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,075M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$190,500
Ownership82.9%
Zillow$383,420
Housing Units68
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent181/100K
Property3,484/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking16.5%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain21.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,117 ft (340 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.7%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 29%
Commute8 min
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Sweetwater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sweetwater receives an overall livability score of 3.7 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. Sweetwater offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sweetwater is $120,500, which is significantly higher than the national average / 60% above $75,149. This places Sweetwater among higher-income communities. 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%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sweetwater is $190,500, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sweetwater is below the national average at 181 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,484 per 100,000, 78% above the national average.
Education
32.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sweetwater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.8 inches, including 86.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Sweetwater has a population of 168 with a density of 141 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 53.8 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 33.3% female and 66.7% male. The city is predominantly White (54.8%), with 45.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.8yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sweetwater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sweetwater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sweetwater is $120,500, which is 60% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,296 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% 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 1,530 business establishments, including 103 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sweetwater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,500 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,296 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,329 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,530 |
| County GDP | $3,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 103 |
| Healthcare | 159 |
| Retail | 177 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,559 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sweetwater is $190,500, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $383,420, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $4,559 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $190,500 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $383,420 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.1% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,559 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Sweetwater, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,516. The dentist ratio is 1:1,229. 72.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sweetwater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,516 |
| Dentists | 1:1,229 |
| Mental Health | 1:321 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,019/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 159 |
Sweetwater has a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,484 per 100,000, 78% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sweetwater receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sweetwater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 181.4/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,483.9/100K |
| 78% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sweetwater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 276 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 21.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 86.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 1,117 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,117 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 141/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3676°N, 116.7975°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Nez Perce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.8"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
88 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Feb 11, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
124 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
124 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
145 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
20 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| May 10, 2000 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Feb 11, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| Feb 9, 1996 |
2 km W of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
29 km ESE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Jan 26, 1992 |
28 km ENE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.2 |
150 km |
| May 6, 2004 |
0 km W of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 12, 1999 |
17 km NW of Malden, Washington |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Jun 12, 1999 |
0 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.1 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2000 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF0 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1986 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DOUBLE CREEK (171,012 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
DOUBLE CREEK |
171,012 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
COLUMBIA COMPLEX |
118,865 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
52 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
POE CABIN |
59,704 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
57 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
36 km |
| 1996 |
SALT COMPLEX (SALT CREEK) |
50,250 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
KAMIAH GULCH |
48,459 |
59 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
44 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
69 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
SOMERS |
36,374 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
EASTSIDE COMPLEX (DEEP CREEK) |
31,969 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
BURNT FLATS |
24,808 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Sweetwater has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 30°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.1") and August the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Sweetwater. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143–$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191–$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96–$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764–$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72–$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143–$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382–$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96–$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57–$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48–$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143–$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820–$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382–$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253–$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478–$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775–$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910–$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764–$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191–$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955–$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72–$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48–$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87–$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39–$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39–$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87–$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82–$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57–$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76–$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48–$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72–$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146–$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573–$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478–$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191–$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382–$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775–$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96–$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $669 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $524 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetwater
What is the population of Sweetwater?
Sweetwater has a population of 168 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 141 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 33.3% female and 66.7% male.
Is Sweetwater expensive to live in?
Sweetwater has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $120,500, 60% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $190,500 (32% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sweetwater safe?
Sweetwater is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 181 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,484 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sweetwater receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sweetwater?
Sweetwater has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.8 inches, with 86.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Sweetwater?
The job market in Sweetwater is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 1,530 business establishments in the area, including 103 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater is $190,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $383,420. The homeownership rate is 82.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,559.
How are the schools in Sweetwater?
Schools in Sweetwater score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.7% of adults in Sweetwater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sweetwater?
The obesity rate in Sweetwater is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,516.
What is transportation like in Sweetwater?
The average commute in Sweetwater is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sweetwater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sweetwater is 54.8% White, 45.2% Hispanic or Latino. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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