Median Income
$29,844
60% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
418/100K
10% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.1%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$545
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.2%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.2%
168% higher than US avg
How Vado Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,185
Median Age26.4 yrs
Density1,069/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 22%
Veterans0.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$29,844
Per Capita$14,144
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty33.2%
County GDP$11,315M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,300
Rent$545
Ownership71.4%
Zillow$254,723
Housing Units930
Rent Burden34.7%
Crime
F
Violent418/100K
Property1,403/100K
Health
Obesity45.2%
Uninsured38.7%
Smoking20.2%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain9.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,825 ft (1,166 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.1%
High School+51.7%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Vado a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vado receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Vado has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vado is $29,844, 60% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 33.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vado is $108,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $545 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,403 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
4.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vado enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Vado has a population of 3,185 with a density of 1,069 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 26.4 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (22.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 18.2% of residents, while 81.8% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 81.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.4yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
18.2%
77% below US avg
Spanish
81.8%
510% above US avg
The median household income in Vado is $29,844, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,144 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,817 business establishments, including 357 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,844 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,144 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,105 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.2% |
| 168% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,817 |
| County GDP | $11,315M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 357 |
| Healthcare | 615 |
| Retail | 511 |
| Manufacturing | 122 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
The median home value in Vado is $108,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,723, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $545 (53% 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. 71.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 930 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $3,640. 34.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,723 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $545 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Housing Units | 930 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,640 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.36% |
In Vado, 45.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.7% report binge drinking. 45.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.8% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 38.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617. The dentist ratio is 1:1,667. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vado vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.2% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 4.2% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.1% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 22.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.4% |
| Uninsured | 38.7% |
| 350% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,617 |
| Dentists | 1:1,667 |
| Mental Health | 1:267 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 48.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,397/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 615 |
Vado has a violent crime rate of 418 per 100,000 residents, 10% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,403 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 26 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vado receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vado vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 417.6/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,402.6/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 26 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vado enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 82°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 9.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 3,825 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,825 ft (1,166 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,069/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.1279°N, 106.6571°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Doña Ana County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.1"
76% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0466 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 13.6 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 3, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
51 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
59 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
61 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
63 km |
| Apr 5, 2012 |
10 km NE of Fabens, Texas |
M2.9 |
82 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
63 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
50 km NW of Tularosa, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
50 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
59 km |
| Jun 5, 2009 |
3 km SE of Praxedis G. Guerrero, Mexico |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Mar 6, 2012 |
9 km E of Fort Bliss, Texas |
M2.5 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1974 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 15, 2006 |
EF0 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2002 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2001 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1992 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1988 |
EF0 |
4 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (196 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ESCONDIDO (25,700 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
ESCONDIDO |
25,700 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
OROGRANDE |
14,853 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
HAT |
14,842 |
66 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
14,645 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
HAY MEADOW |
13,553 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
ABRAMS |
12,786 |
26 km |
| 2001 |
BENNETT MT |
10,249 |
53 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
70 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,496 |
42 km |
| 1989 |
CLI |
7,469 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
7,001 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
LONG CANYON |
6,656 |
19 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
6,605 |
69 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,482 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
CENTENNIAL |
6,269 |
82 km |
| 1993 |
MARTIN |
5,290 |
72 km |
| 2018 |
ORGAN |
4,880 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
POTRILLO |
4,293 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
DOUBLE TK |
3,820 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
GOODSIGHT |
3,450 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Vado has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 43°F in December to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Vado. 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 Vado
What is the population of Vado?
Vado has a population of 3,185 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 1,069 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Vado expensive to live in?
Vado 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 $29,844, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,300 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $545 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vado safe?
The violent crime rate in Vado is 418 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 1,403 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vado receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vado?
Vado enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Vado?
Vado has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 5,817 business establishments in the area, including 357 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vado?
The median home value in Vado is $108,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,723. For renters, the median monthly rent is $545. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,640.
How are the schools in Vado?
Schools in Vado have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.1% of adults in Vado hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 51.7% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vado?
The obesity rate in Vado is 45.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 45.1% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 38.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,617.
What is transportation like in Vado?
The average commute in Vado is 25 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vado?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vado is 22.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 18.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 81.8% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 81.4% have health insurance coverage.
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