Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,200
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
320/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$663
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Tamms Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population532
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density228/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Veterans16.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$20,220
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$273M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,200
Rent$663
Ownership76.4%
Zillow$105,128
Housing Units243
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
F
Violent320/100K
Property4,280/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.4%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain49.4 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation339 ft (103 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+81.5%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score3.62
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute37 min
Broadband51.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Tamms a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tamms receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Tamms has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tamms is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tamms is $57,200, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tamms is below the national average at 320 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,280 per 100,000, 118% above the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Tamms enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°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 49.4 inches, including 7.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Tamms has a population of 532 with a density of 228 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.1% female and 60.9% male. The city is predominantly White (60%), with 5.5% Hispanic, 34.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Tamms is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,220 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 96 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 20.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,220 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,352 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 96 |
| County GDP | $273M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.3% |
The median home value in Tamms is $57,200, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,128, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $663 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 243 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,700 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,200 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $105,128 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $663 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.6% |
| Housing Units | 243 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.97% |
In Tamms, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,030. The dentist ratio is 1:1,215. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tamms vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 41.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,030 |
| Dentists | 1:1,215 |
| Mental Health | 1:168 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 54.6% |
| Premature Death | 16,048/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Tamms has a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,280 per 100,000, 118% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tamms receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tamms vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 320.4/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,280.2/100K |
| 118% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tamms enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 35°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 49.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 339 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.9°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 339 ft (103 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 228/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2415°N, 89.2713°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Alexander County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cairo Regional (CIR)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.4"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
349 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.7 on May 2, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
32 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
89 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
16 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
47 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
43 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
51 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
139 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
43 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
43 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
25 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| Apr 28, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
574 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 121 fatalities, 1,531 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
93 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
85 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
75 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
22 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
63 km |
10 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
54 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
19 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
7 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
12 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
65 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Tamms has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Tamms. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamms
What is the population of Tamms?
Tamms has a population of 532 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 228 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.1% female and 60.9% male.
Is Tamms expensive to live in?
Tamms has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,200 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tamms safe?
Tamms is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,280 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tamms receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tamms?
Tamms enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°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 49.4 inches, with 7.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Tamms?
The job market in Tamms is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 96 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 20.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tamms?
The median home value in Tamms is $57,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,128. For renters, the median monthly rent is $663. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.4%. The average annual property tax is $1,700.
How are the schools in Tamms?
Schools in Tamms have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.7% of adults in Tamms hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tamms?
The obesity rate in Tamms is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,030.
What is transportation like in Tamms?
The average commute in Tamms is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tamms?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tamms is 60% White, 34.2% Black or African American, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.5% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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