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Willow Creek, AK

Alaska · Chugach Census Area

Willow Creek is a small town in Alaska with a population of 126. Residents earn $76,542 per year, which is 2% above the national average.

Data updated April 2026

3.5 /5.0
B+ Good
126 Population 3/sq mi density
$76,542 Median Income $47,583 per capita
$452,800 Home Value $342,998 Zillow
28°F Avg Temperature 274 sunny days/yr
471 Violent Crime/100K 2,331 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.5 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.5 / 5.0
$76,542 median income, 0.0% unemployment
B
Affordability
3.3 / 5.0
$452,800 home value
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
471 violent crimes/100K (24% above avg)
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
56.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Willow Creek, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $76,542
2% higher than US avg
Home Value $452,800
61% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 56.3%
67% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Willow Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population126
Median Age71.5 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans17.5%

Economy

A+
Median Income$76,542
Per Capita$47,583
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,473M

Housing

B
Home Value$452,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$342,998
Housing Units56
Rent Burden26.7%

Crime

F
Violent471/100K
Property2,331/100K

Health

Obesity33.3%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking18.5%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.9%

Climate

Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,441 ft (439 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+56.3%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score4.86

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband53.0%
Libraries2

Is Willow Creek a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Willow Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Willow Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Willow Creek is $76,542, roughly in line with 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%.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Willow Creek is $452,800, making it a premium housing market at 61% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

Willow Creek is a highly educated community / 56.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches, including 71.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.

Willow Creek has a population of 126 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 37.9 square miles. The median age is 71.5 years, 84% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.7% female and 60.3% male. The city is predominantly White (78.6%), with 21.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 52.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

126
Total Population
3
People / sq mi
71.5yrs
Median Age
84% above US avg
37.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 60.3%
Female 39.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Willow Creek vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Willow Creek vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Willow Creek is $76,542, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,583 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,442. 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 399 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Willow Creek vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$76,542
2% above US avg
Per Capita Income$47,583
Avg Weekly Wage$1,442
IRS Avg AGI$81,832
Gini Index0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)399
County GDP$1,473M

Business (County)

Restaurants53
Healthcare24
Retail36
Manufacturing19

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$5,227
49% above US avg
Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate1.15%

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Willow Creek is $452,800, 61% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 56 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$452,800
61% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$342,998

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden26.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$1,061
1 Bedroom$1,194
2 Bedrooms$1,467
3 Bedrooms$1,941
4 Bedrooms$2,304

Ownership & Property

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units56
Median Year Built1977

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$5,227
49% above US avg
Effective Rate1.15%
In Willow Creek, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631. The dentist ratio is 1:2,291. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

Health Metrics: Willow Creek vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.3%
4% above US avg
Diabetes8.4%
Heart Disease5.9%
High Blood Pressure32.2%
Asthma11.7%
COPD7.0%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.5%
32% above US avg
Binge Drinking21.2%
Physical Inactivity21.5%
Depression22.8%
Mental Distress17.9%
Physical Distress14.0%
Short Sleep38.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Uninsured9.5%
10% above US avg
Primary Care1:631
Dentists1:2,291
Mental Health1:451
Checkup Rate66.0%
Dental Visits55.9%

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access66.2%
Healthcare Facilities24
Willow Creek has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,331 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. Overall, Willow Creek receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Willow Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent471.2/100K
24% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property2,331.4/100K
19% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 274 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 13.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 71.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,441 feet.

Temperature

-2°F Jan (-19°C) 57°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average27.6°F
49% below US avg
January Average-2°F (-19°C)
July Average57°F (14°C)
Sunny Days274 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,441 ft (439 m)
Area37.9 sq mi (98.2 km²)
Population Density3/sq mi
Coordinates61.8302°N, 145.1986°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyChugach Census Area County
Nearest AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
165 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 13.3"
65% below US avg
Snowfall 71.8"
Wettest Month (Jul) 2.13"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.39"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score19.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability10.6 / 100
Community Resilience24.1 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Very Low
Strong Wind No Rating
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought No Rating
Cold Wave Relatively Low
Landslide Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flood Very Low
Tsunami Very Low
Volcano No Rating
Avalanche Very High
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

1,912 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

Nov 3, 2002 45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.4 139 km
Feb 13, 2017 20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska M5.3 148 km
Aug 25, 2004 48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska M5.1 70 km
Nov 3, 2002 3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.1 145 km
May 13, 1993 9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska M5.1 95 km
Nov 8, 2002 17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.1 146 km
Nov 4, 2002 16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.0 142 km
Nov 8, 2002 21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska M5.0 142 km
Nov 3, 2002 13 km SSE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M4.9 134 km
Nov 5, 2002 15 km SE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M4.8 140 km
Jul 27, 1995 Southern Alaska M4.8 87 km
Jun 20, 2010 11 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska M4.8 145 km
Sep 24, 2022 Southern Alaska M4.8 43 km
Apr 6, 2005 37 km NNW of Valdez, Alaska M4.8 81 km
Nov 5, 2002 Central Alaska M4.8 143 km
Oct 18, 1996 47 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska M4.7 67 km
Nov 4, 2002 41 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M4.7 146 km
Dec 25, 2012 Southern Alaska M4.7 132 km
Jan 10, 1998 55 km S of Glacier View, Alaska M4.7 143 km
Nov 4, 2002 48 km E of Paxson, Alaska M4.7 147 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Wrangell (65 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Wrangell Shield 4,278 m (14,035 ft) 1912 65 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: TOKAINA 2 (14,741 ac, 2019).

Year Name Acres Distance
2019 TOKAINA 2 14,741 61 km
2013 EXCELSIOR 6,230 97 km
2016 YOKNEDA LAKE 2,866 81 km
2019 CHETASLINA 1,909 34 km
1995 BILLY LAKE 1,583 81 km
2011 GILAHINA 1,244 99 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -2°F (-19°C) 0.8 in Coldest
February 5°F (-15°C) 1.0 in
March 15°F (-10°C) 0.5 in
April 29°F (-2°C) 0.4 in Driest
May 41°F (5°C) 0.6 in
June 51°F (10°C) 1.8 in
July 57°F (14°C) 2.1 in Warmest, Wettest
August 52°F (11°C) 1.5 in
September 42°F (6°C) 1.4 in
October 28°F (-2°C) 1.3 in
November 9°F (-13°C) 1.3 in
December 1°F (-17°C) 1.3 in

Willow Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from -2°F in January to 57°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.1") and April the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →
Willow Creek is located in Chugach Census Area County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 56.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 67% above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 53.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 24 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+56.3%
67% above US avg
High School+95.2%
Graduate Degree+9.8%
School Test Score4.86
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density3/sq mi
Total Area37.9 sq mi
CountyChugach Census Area County

Services

Broadband Access53.0%
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities24
Restaurants53
Retail Stores36

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Willow Creek. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.

Healthcare

Doctor Visit (Primary Care) $256 ($154–$410)
Specialist Visit $358 ($205–$563)
Urgent Care Visit $205 ($102–$358)
Emergency Room Visit $2,253 ($819–$5,120)
Dental Cleaning $133 ($77–$205)
Dental Filling $256 ($154–$410)
View all 40 services

Auto Repair

Oil Change (Conventional) $46 ($26–$77)
Oil Change (Synthetic) $77 ($51–$123)
Brake Pad Replacement $307 ($154–$512)
Tire Rotation $41 ($20–$77)
New Tires (Set of 4) $614 ($410–$1,024)
Battery Replacement $205 ($102–$358)
View all 18 services

Home Services

Plumber (Per Hour) $102 ($61–$154)
Electrician (Per Hour) $92 ($51–$143)
HVAC Repair $410 ($154–$819)
HVAC System Install $7,168 ($4,096–$12,288)
Roof Repair $1,024 ($410–$2,048)
Roof Replacement $9,216 ($5,632–$15,360)
View all 25 services

Legal

Divorce (Uncontested) $1,536 ($512–$3,584)
Divorce (Contested) $15,360 ($5,120–$30,720)
DUI Defense $5,120 ($2,048–$10,240)
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) $1,536 ($819–$3,072)
Will Preparation $512 ($205–$1,024)
Trust Preparation $2,560 ($1,024–$5,120)
View all 12 services

Personal Care

Men's Haircut $26 ($15–$46)
Women's Haircut $56 ($31–$102)
Hair Coloring (Full) $154 ($77–$256)
Manicure $26 ($15–$46)
Pedicure $41 ($26–$67)
Massage (1 Hour) $82 ($51–$133)
View all 12 services

Food & Grocery

Gallon of Milk (per gallon) $4.20 ($3.07–$5.63)
Dozen Eggs (per dozen) $3.58 ($2.56–$5.12)
Loaf of Bread $3.89 ($2.56–$5.63)
Chicken Breast (per lb) $4.61 ($3.07–$6.66)
Ground Beef (per lb) $5.63 ($4.10–$7.68)
Rice (per lb) $1.02 ($0.61–$1.84)
View all 20 services

Utilities

Electricity (Monthly) $143 ($82–$256)
Natural Gas (Monthly) $72 ($31–$154)
Water/Sewer (Monthly) $72 ($41–$123)
Internet (Monthly) $72 ($41–$102)
Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) $67 ($31–$102)
Cable TV (Monthly) $87 ($51–$154)
View all 8 services

Transportation

Monthly Parking (Downtown) $205 ($77–$512)
Car Insurance (Annual) $2,048 ($1,229–$3,584)
Bus Pass (Monthly) $72 ($31–$133)
Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) $15 ($8.19–$26)
Car Registration (Annual) $102 ($31–$256)
Driver's License Renewal $31 ($15–$77)
View all 8 services

Education & Childcare

Daycare (Infant, Monthly) $1,229 ($614–$2,560)
Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) $1,024 ($512–$2,048)
After-School Care (Monthly) $410 ($205–$717)
Tutoring (Per Hour) $51 ($26–$102)
SAT/ACT Prep Course $1,024 ($410–$2,560)
Private School (K-12, Annual) $12,800 ($5,120–$30,720)
View all 8 services

Pets

Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) $61 ($31–$102)
Dog Vaccination (Annual) $102 ($51–$205)
Dog Grooming $61 ($31–$102)
Pet Boarding (Per Night) $41 ($20–$77)
Dog Spay/Neuter $307 ($154–$512)
Cat Spay/Neuter $205 ($102–$410)
View all 9 services

Top Industries in Chugach Census Area

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Transportation & Warehousing 524 50 $132,870 3.44
Manufacturing 494 21 $63,278 1.67
Accommodation & Food Services 301 50 $31,575 0.92
Retail Trade 289 29 $38,303 0.81
Health Care & Social Assistance 221 22 $58,405 0.43
Administrative & Waste Services 119 36 $98,319 0.56
Construction 91 21 $123,472 0.48
Information & Technology 82 10 $80,715 1.22
Arts & Entertainment 70 20 $40,323 1.16
Other Services 66 25 $40,368 0.61
Management of Companies 65 3 $144,076 1.07
Professional & Technical Services 58 11 $59,250 0.23
Real Estate 37 13 $50,000 0.66
Finance & Insurance 29 6 $66,579 0.20
Educational Services 10 4 $19,278 0.13

Radio Stations near Willow Creek

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
790 AM - KCAM Glennallen Alaska alaska, christian AAC 120 kbps

Museums in Willow Creek

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
COPPER VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETYHISTORIC PRESERVATION101 LOOP RD9078225285
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARKHISTORIC PRESERVATION9078227247

Cell Towers in Willow Creek

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
18 Mi. S of Copper Center (94052)LTOWER31
18 Mi. S of Copper Center (94052)LTOWER31

Bridges in Willow Creek

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
CulvertSteel197428400G

Airports Near Willow Creek

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Gulkana AirportGKNMedium Airport
Chistochina AirportCZOSmall Airport
Copper Center 2 AirportCZCSmall Airport
Jacobus FieldSmall Airport
Thompson Pass AirportSmall Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Creek

What is the population of Willow Creek?

Willow Creek has a population of 126 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 37.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.7% female and 60.3% male.

Is Willow Creek expensive to live in?

Willow Creek has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,542, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $452,800 (61% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Willow Creek safe?

The violent crime rate in Willow Creek is 471 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 2,331 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Willow Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Willow Creek?

Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.3 inches, with 71.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.

How is the job market in Willow Creek?

The job market in Willow Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,442. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations.

How much does housing cost in Willow Creek?

The median home value in Willow Creek is $452,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,227.

How are the schools in Willow Creek?

Schools in Willow Creek have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 56.3% of adults in Willow Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Willow Creek?

The obesity rate in Willow Creek is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631.

What are the demographics of Willow Creek?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Creek is 78.6% White, 21.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.5% of the population are military veterans. 52.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

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