Median Income
$24,286
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,400
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$474
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
56.2%
75% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
46.9%
278% higher than US avg
How Waterproof Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population573
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density819/mi²
Male / Female26% / 74%
Largest GroupWhite 5%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$24,286
Per Capita$13,271
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty46.9%
County GDP$141M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,400
Rent$474
Ownership69.3%
Zillow$137,467
Housing Units316
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property6,401/100K
Health
Obesity56.2%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking28.2%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease9.0%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain58.2 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation65 ft (20 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+0.3%
School Score4.36
Community
2024 VoteR 16% / D 83%
Commute28 min
Broadband55.5%
Libraries1
Is Waterproof a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterproof receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Waterproof offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterproof is $24,286, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 46.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterproof is $48,400, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $474 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Waterproof is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,401 per 100,000, 227% above the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterproof enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Waterproof has a population of 573 with a density of 819 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 73.8% female and 26.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (90.1%), with 4.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 1.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Waterproof vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Waterproof vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Waterproof is $24,286, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,271 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $831, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 46.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 77 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Waterproof vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,286 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,271 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $831 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,572 |
| Gini Index | 0.505 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 46.9% |
| 278% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 77 |
| County GDP | $141M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,354 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Waterproof is $48,400, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,467, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $474 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 316 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,354 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,400 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,467 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $474 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.7% |
| Housing Units | 316 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,354 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.86% |
In Waterproof, 56.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 23.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.0% of residents, above the national average. 55.0% have high blood pressure. 28.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.8% report binge drinking. 48.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,603. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterproof vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 56.2% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 23.8% |
| Heart Disease | 9.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 55.0% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 12.5% |
| Cancer | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 7.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.2% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 48.0% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 24.6% |
| Physical Distress | 20.4% |
| Short Sleep | 51.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,603 |
| Mental Health | 1:771 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.7% |
| Dental Visits | 36.2% |
| Premature Death | 16,287/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Waterproof has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,401 per 100,000, 227% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waterproof receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Waterproof vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,400.9/100K |
| 227% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Waterproof enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 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 58.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 65 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.5°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 65 ft (20 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 819/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.8072°N, 91.3861°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monroe Regional (MLU)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.2"
53% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 17, 2015.
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
18 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
250 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
145 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
163 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
228 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
239 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
175 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
296 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
187 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
219 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
272 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
148 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
195 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
246 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
581 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 213 fatalities, 2,304 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF5 |
64 km |
47 |
| Mar 3, 1966 |
EF5 |
89 km |
58 |
| Dec 5, 1953 |
EF5 |
74 km |
38 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
10 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
85 km |
13 |
| Jan 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
35 km |
32 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2005 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Nov 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Dec 21, 1990 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,768 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,768 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB51 |
4,411 |
59 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 18 |
3,826 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 25 |
3,676 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
HOMOCHITTO - BB 7 |
3,028 |
62 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,802 |
62 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB24 |
2,458 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,444 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 48 |
2,394 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
HOMOCHITTO BB28 SUB3 RX |
2,279 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,229 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB25 |
2,183 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 21 |
2,182 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
57 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,111 |
59 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,071 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB 21 AND BBHB |
2,021 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HOMOCHITTO BB26 |
2,008 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
6.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| December |
50°F (10°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Waterproof has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 47°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.3 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.4") and September the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Waterproof. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $512 |
| Toddler | $466 |
| Preschool | $466 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof
What is the population of Waterproof?
Waterproof has a population of 573 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 819 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 73.8% female and 26.2% male.
Is Waterproof expensive to live in?
Waterproof is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $24,286, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,400 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $474 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waterproof safe?
Waterproof is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,401 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waterproof receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterproof?
Waterproof enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Waterproof?
The job market in Waterproof is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $831. There are 77 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterproof?
The median home value in Waterproof is $48,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,467. For renters, the median monthly rent is $474. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,354.
How are the schools in Waterproof?
Schools in Waterproof have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.6% of adults in Waterproof hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 0.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterproof?
The obesity rate in Waterproof is 56.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.2% of adults are smokers. 48.0% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 14.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,603.
What is transportation like in Waterproof?
The average commute in Waterproof is 28 minutes. 83.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterproof?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterproof is 4.7% White, 90.1% Black or African American. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 1.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
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