Median Income
$43,953
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,900
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
555/100K
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$640
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.7%
83% higher than US avg
How Thoreau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,795
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density45/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 9%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$43,953
Per Capita$22,466
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$2,894M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,900
Rent$640
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$145,746
Housing Units777
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent555/100K
Property3,423/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured16.2%
Smoking30.0%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation7,207 ft (2,197 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+81.7%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score3.32
Community
2024 VoteR 36% / D 61%
Commute33 min
Broadband57.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Thoreau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thoreau receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Thoreau has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thoreau is $43,953, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thoreau is $52,900, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $640 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,423 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Thoreau experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches, including 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Thoreau has a population of 1,795 with a density of 45 people per square mile, spread across 15.9 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (84.2%), with 8.7% White, 79.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 55% of residents, while 45% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
55.0%
30% below US avg
Spanish
45.0%
236% above US avg
The median household income in Thoreau is $43,953, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,466 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,225 business establishments, including 138 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,953 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,466 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $41,364 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,225 |
| County GDP | $2,894M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 138 |
| Healthcare | 130 |
| Retail | 214 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Thoreau is $52,900, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $640 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 777 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $3,272. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,900 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,746 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $640 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.2% |
| Housing Units | 777 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,272 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.19% |
In Thoreau, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 37.6% have high blood pressure. 30.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.6% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.9% experience frequent mental distress. 16.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217. The dentist ratio is 1:1,369. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thoreau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.4% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 14.7% |
| COPD | 12.0% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 6.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.0% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 24.9% |
| Physical Distress | 23.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,217 |
| Dentists | 1:1,369 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.5% |
| Dental Visits | 38.6% |
| Premature Death | 27,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 130 |
Thoreau has a violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 residents, 46% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,423 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Thoreau receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thoreau vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 555.0/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,422.8/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thoreau experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 330 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 12.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 7,207 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 7,207 ft (2,197 m) |
| Area | 15.9 sq mi (41.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 45/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4235°N, 108.2001°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | McKinley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
91 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.3"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 8, 2025.
| May 18, 2023 |
8 km ENE of San Mateo, New Mexico |
M3.8 |
58 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
7 km WNW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Oct 20, 2016 |
3 km NNW of Seboyeta, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Sep 23, 2009 |
29 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Sep 10, 2024 |
8 km WSW of Paradise Hills, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
22 km NNW of Saint Johns, Arizona |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
61 km |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
3 km ESE of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
0 km NW of Regina, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Jun 17, 2022 |
4 km NNW of Regina, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jul 17, 2009 |
17 km SSE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
90 km |
| Aug 10, 2019 |
5 km E of Bluewater Village, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
33 km |
| Nov 28, 2009 |
28 km SE of Eagle Nest, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| May 14, 2011 |
27 km W of Alamo, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
18 km WSW of Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
61 km |
| Mar 9, 2023 |
7 km WSW of La Cueva, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
15 km SW of Santa Teresa, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| May 8, 2025 |
44 km SSW of San Rafael, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
79 km |
| May 20, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Ramah, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
48 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
6 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2019 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2019 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2018 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2016 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1957 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Zuni-Bandera (72 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Zuni-Bandera |
Volcanic field |
2,550 m (8,366 ft) |
-1170 |
72 km |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
143 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHERRY (15,105 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
CHERRY |
15,105 |
65 km |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
DIENER CANYON |
9,824 |
29 km |
| 2004 |
SEDGWICK |
9,241 |
28 km |
| 2019 |
TRIPLE NICKLE |
7,819 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
BLUE WATER |
3,663 |
23 km |
| 1989 |
COLLAPSE |
3,438 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
REDONDO RX |
3,382 |
26 km |
| 1999 |
LA JARA |
3,249 |
52 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
ALLENTOWN5 |
2,653 |
93 km |
| 1989 |
MALPAIS |
2,300 |
67 km |
| 2004 |
BROADCAST BLOCK 1 |
2,285 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE CANYON 1 |
2,283 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,983 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
KINLICHEE |
1,949 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
HOYA |
1,869 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
COPPERTAN RX 23 BLOCK 1 AND 2 |
1,850 |
29 km |
| 2000 |
WALL |
1,751 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
Thoreau has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 28°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.5") and June the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Thoreau. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Thoreau
What is the population of Thoreau?
Thoreau has a population of 1,795 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 45 people per square mile, spread across 15.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Thoreau expensive to live in?
Thoreau is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,953, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,900 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $640 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thoreau safe?
The violent crime rate in Thoreau is 555 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 3,423 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Thoreau receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thoreau?
Thoreau has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.3 inches, with 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Thoreau?
The unemployment rate in Thoreau is 6.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $908. There are 1,225 business establishments in the area, including 138 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thoreau?
The median home value in Thoreau is $52,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,746. For renters, the median monthly rent is $640. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,272.
How are the schools in Thoreau?
Schools in Thoreau have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.7% of adults in Thoreau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.7% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thoreau?
The obesity rate in Thoreau is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.0% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 16.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,217.
What is transportation like in Thoreau?
The average commute in Thoreau is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thoreau?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thoreau is 8.7% White, 84.2% Hispanic or Latino, 79.2% Asian. 55% of residents speak only English at home, while 45% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.
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