Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
286/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.9%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wasta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population77
Median Age62.9 yrs
Density405/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans70.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$34,025
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$8,688M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,500
Ownership95.2%
Zillow$321,470
Housing Units46
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent286/100K
Property1,315/100K
Health
Obesity29.9%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking12.9%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain17.7 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,321 ft (707 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband42.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Wasta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wasta receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wasta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wasta is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. 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 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wasta is $111,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wasta is below the national average at 286 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,315 per 100,000, 33% below the national average.
Education
32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Wasta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.7 inches, including 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Wasta has a population of 77 with a density of 405 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 62.9 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61% female and 39% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 6.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 70.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.9yrs
Median Age
62% 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 Wasta is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,025 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,102, 23% 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 5,799 business establishments, including 431 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,025 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,102 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,943 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,799 |
| County GDP | $8,688M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 431 |
| Healthcare | 438 |
| Retail | 590 |
| Manufacturing | 118 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,484 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Wasta is $111,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,470, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 46 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,484 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $321,470 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.8% |
| Housing Units | 46 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,484 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.82% |
In Wasta, 29.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.5% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:880. The dentist ratio is 1:1,060. 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wasta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.9% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:880 |
| Dentists | 1:1,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:280 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,606/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 438 |
Wasta has a violent crime rate of 286 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,315 per 100,000, 33% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Wasta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wasta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 286.3/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,314.7/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wasta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 311 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 17.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 2,321 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,321 ft (707 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 405/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0695°N, 102.4464°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pennington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rapid City Regional (RAP)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.7"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.06 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 8, 2025.
| May 25, 2003 |
10 km SSW of Martin, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 28, 1990 |
8 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M4.0 |
84 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
13 km WNW of Hill City, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Mar 9, 2025 |
7 km W of Fairburn, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
81 km |
| Dec 12, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Hermosa, South Dakota |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Mar 26, 2021 |
10 km E of Edgemont, South Dakota |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
7 km N of Manderson-White Horse Creek, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Feb 7, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
11 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
22 km ESE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 16, 2012 |
25 km E of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
78 km |
| Jun 16, 2024 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
15 km NNE of Oelrichs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Mar 18, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Hot Springs, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Apr 4, 2024 |
19 km SW of Interior, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
55 km |
| Jan 5, 2004 |
28 km SSE of Hill View Heights, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Sep 5, 1993 |
4 km NNW of Central City, South Dakota |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Jun 8, 2025 |
19 km NW of Wasta, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
19 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
29 km |
| Jul 7, 2024 |
11 km NNW of Merriman, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
160 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 43 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1956 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2016 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2015 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1991 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1972 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1972 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1967 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1966 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1966 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1964 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1964 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1959 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2021 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LEGION LAKE (54,868 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LEGION LAKE |
54,868 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
COTTONWOOD CA |
41,775 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
WHITE OWL |
20,022 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
YELLOWBEAR |
19,212 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
FREEMAN |
19,121 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
HAY CANYON |
17,815 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
GALENA |
16,936 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
BATTLE CREEK |
15,034 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
SWEDLUND |
14,673 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
GRASS CK3 |
11,125 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
DECKER |
10,883 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
PEPPER CREEK |
8,915 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
WANNA |
7,699 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
COTTONWOOD |
6,696 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
TURKEY DAY |
5,998 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
WHITEBUTTE |
5,685 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
RED WATER |
5,407 |
69 km |
| 1992 |
WHITERIVER |
5,150 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
WANBLEE TIMBER |
4,982 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
PAPA |
4,746 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Wasta has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Wasta. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $667 |
| Preschool | $629 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $499 |
| Toddler | $499 |
| Preschool | $494 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wasta
What is the population of Wasta?
Wasta has a population of 77 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 405 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61% female and 39% male.
Is Wasta expensive to live in?
Wasta is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wasta safe?
Wasta is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 286 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,315 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wasta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wasta?
Wasta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.7 inches, with 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Wasta?
The job market in Wasta is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,102. There are 5,799 business establishments in the area, including 431 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wasta?
The median home value in Wasta is $111,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,470. The homeownership rate is 95.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,484.
How are the schools in Wasta?
Schools in Wasta score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.9% of adults in Wasta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wasta?
The obesity rate in Wasta is 29.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 79.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:880.
What is transportation like in Wasta?
The average commute in Wasta is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wasta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wasta is 93.5% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 70.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.7% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
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