Introduction
When it comes to determining the safest states in the US, using the number of homicides is a good indicator as it reflects the level of violence and crime in a state. Some states are safer than others, and the safest states in America are New Hampshire, Vermont, and Wyoming, with 20, 24, and 27 homicides, respectively. These states have much lower levels of homicide than the rest of the country, with California, Texas, and Florida having the highest number of homicides, with 3,500, 3,000, and 2,100, respectively.
There are some general trends in the safest states in America. For example, many of the safest states are located in the northeastern region of the country, such as New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island. Other safe states are located in the midwest, such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, or in the western region, such as Idaho, Utah, and Oregon. Generally, states with smaller populations tend to have lower levels of crime.
It is worth noting that while homicide rates are a good indicator of safety, they do not necessarily reflect the overall level of crime or safety in a state. For example, a state may have a low homicide rate but a high rate of other types of crime, such as theft or assault.
Safest to Most Dangerous States
# | State | Number of Homicides | Homicide Rate | Crime Rate | Gun Death Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New Hampshire | 20 | 1.5 per 100k | 3,390.7 per 100k | 8.9 per 100k |
2 | Vermont | 24 | 3.7 per 100k | 2,541.4 per 100k | 11.6 per 100k |
3 | Wyoming | 27 | 4.7 per 100k | 566.9 per 100k | 25.9 per 100k |
4 | Maine | 39 | 2.9 per 100k | 1,856.4 per 100k | 10.4 per 100k |
5 | Rhode Island | 46 | 4.2 per 100k | 3,154.5 per 100k | 5.1 per 100k |
6 | North Dakota | 59 | 7.6 per 100k | 5,105.7 per 100k | 13.8 per 100k |
7 | South Dakota | 62 | 7 per 100k | 4,928.1 per 100k | 13.6 per 100k |
8 | Hawaii | 65 | 4.5 per 100k | 2,941.8 per 100k | 3.4 per 100k |
9 | Idaho | 68 | 3.7 per 100k | 3,159.4 per 100k | 17.6 per 100k |
10 | Alaska | 90 | 12.3 per 100k | 23.5 per 100k | |
11 | Montana | 96 | 8.9 per 100k | 4,289.2 per 100k | 20.9 per 100k |
12 | Delaware | 98 | 9.9 per 100k | 5,146.8 per 100k | 14.4 per 100k |
13 | Nebraska | 127 | 6.5 per 100k | 10.1 per 100k | |
14 | Kansas | 143 | 4.9 per 100k | 4,521.3 per 100k | 16.9 per 100k |
15 | Utah | 147 | 4.5 per 100k | 4,498.4 per 100k | 13.6 per 100k |
16 | West Virginia | 162 | 9 per 100k | 2,897.8 per 100k | 18.1 per 100k |
17 | Iowa | 172 | 5.4 per 100k | 3,712.4 per 100k | 11.2 per 100k |
18 | Oregon | 188 | 4.4 per 100k | 4,712.3 per 100k | 13 per 100k |
19 | New Mexico | 193 | 9.1 per 100k | 3,815.1 per 100k | 22.7 per 100k |
20 | Connecticut | 220 | 6.1 per 100k | 2,801.4 per 100k | 6 per 100k |
21 | Massachusetts | 230 | 3.3 per 100k | 3,075.4 per 100k | 3.7 per 100k |
22 | Nevada | 308 | 9.9 per 100k | 2,226.2 per 100k | 17 per 100k |
23 | Minnesota | 323 | 5.7 per 100k | 2,771.3 per 100k | 8.9 per 100k |
24 | Alabama | 325 | 6.5 per 100k | 257.8 per 100k | 23.6 per 100k |
25 | District of Columbia | 339 | 49.2 per 100k | 317.7 per 100k | |
26 | Mississippi | 350 | 11.8 per 100k | 2,055.9 per 100k | 28.6 per 100k |
27 | Pennsylvania | 433 | 3.3 per 100k | 8.3 per 100k | 13.6 per 100k |
28 | Kentucky | 464 | 10.3 per 100k | 3,659.6 per 100k | 20.1 per 100k |
29 | Oklahoma | 471 | 11.9 per 100k | 3,462 per 100k | 20.7 per 100k |
30 | Washington | 472 | 6.1 per 100k | 5,132.1 per 100k | 10.9 per 100k |
31 | Arkansas | 484 | 16.1 per 100k | 6,405.1 per 100k | 22.6 per 100k |
32 | Colorado | 488 | 8.5 per 100k | 5,179.8 per 100k | 15.4 per 100k |
33 | New Jersey | 497 | 5.4 per 100k | 5 per 100k | |
34 | Wisconsin | 499 | 8.5 per 100k | 3,030.9 per 100k | 12.2 per 100k |
35 | Indiana | 656 | 9.7 per 100k | 2,598.8 per 100k | 17.3 per 100k |
36 | Maryland | 738 | 11.9 per 100k | 732.4 per 100k | 13.5 per 100k |
37 | Arizona | 805 | 11.3 per 100k | 956.2 per 100k | 16.7 per 100k |
38 | Georgia | 834 | 7.8 per 100k | 2,856.6 per 100k | 17.7 per 100k |
39 | Virginia | 863 | 10 per 100k | 3,922 per 100k | 13.4 per 100k |
40 | South Carolina | 891 | 17.4 per 100k | 6,006.6 per 100k | 22 per 100k |
41 | Tennessee | 970 | 14 per 100k | 5,926.1 per 100k | 21.3 per 100k |
42 | Louisiana | 1,065 | 22.9 per 100k | 1,469.9 per 100k | 26.3 per 100k |
43 | Michigan | 1,067 | 10.6 per 100k | 3,854.6 per 100k | 14.6 per 100k |
44 | New York | 1,087 | 5.4 per 100k | 201.7 per 100k | 5.3 per 100k |
45 | Ohio | 1,089 | 9.2 per 100k | 3,449.6 per 100k | 15.2 per 100k |
46 | Missouri | 1,108 | 18 per 100k | 3,393.7 per 100k | 23.9 per 100k |
47 | Illinois | 1,137 | 8.9 per 100k | 97.2 per 100k | 14.1 per 100k |
48 | North Carolina | 1,192 | 11.4 per 100k | 4,408.5 per 100k | 16 per 100k |
49 | Florida | 2,087 | 9.7 per 100k | 13.7 per 100k | |
50 | Texas | 2,993 | 10.3 per 100k | 3,999.3 per 100k | 14.2 per 100k |
51 | California | 3,498 | 8.8 per 100k | 8.5 per 100k |
Safest States in America
Based on the number of homicides, the ten safest states in America are New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming, Maine, Rhode Island, North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, Idaho, and Alaska. New Hampshire is the safest state in the US, with just 20 reported homicide incidents. Vermont and Wyoming follow closely behind, in second and third place, with 24 and 27 homicides respectively. Maine is the fourth safest state in America with 39 reported homicides. Rhode Island is the fifth safest state with 46 homicides, North Dakota the sixth safest state at 59 homicides per year, and South Dakota is the seventh safest state in America with a total of 62 homicides. In eighth place comes Hawaii with 65 homicides per year. Idaho is the ninth safest state in the US with 68 homicides per year, while Alaska ranks tenth on the list of safest states in the US, with a total of 90 homicides.
The ten safest states in the US based on the number of homicides are:
1. New Hampshire – 20
2. Vermont – 24
3. Wyoming – 27
4. Maine – 39
5. Rhode Island – 46
6. North Dakota – 59
7. South Dakota – 62
8. Hawaii – 65
9. Idaho – 68
10. Alaska – 90
Safest State in America
New Hampshire stands out as the safest state in America, with only 20 homicides recorded in the state. This makes it one of the most secure and peaceful places to live in the country. New Hampshire has a relatively low crime rate, with a lower number of property crimes and violent crimes per capita than most states. The state’s low population density and rural character could contribute to the low crime rates. However, New Hampshire is also known for its robust law enforcement agencies, which may play a role in keeping crime rates low.
Safest US States
Alabama
Number of Homicides
325
Ranked in the US
#24
Homicide Rate
6.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
Crime Rate
257.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
23.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
Alaska
Number of Homicides
90
Ranked in the US
#10
Homicide Rate
12.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
23.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
Alaska is the tenth safest state in the US, with a reported 90 homicides. Alaska's safety can be attributed to its strong sense of community and the fact that many of its small towns are closely connected. In addition, Alaska's police departments are well-funded and well-staffed, which helps to deter crime.
Arizona
Number of Homicides
805
Ranked in the US
#37
Homicide Rate
11.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
Crime Rate
956.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
16.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
Arkansas
Number of Homicides
484
Ranked in the US
#31
Homicide Rate
16.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#47
Crime Rate
6,405.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
22.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
California
Number of Homicides
3,498
Ranked in the US
#51
Homicide Rate
8.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
8.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
California is the least safe state in America with 3,498 reported homicides. This figure is especially high when we compare California’s homicide numbers to other US states. This has been attributed to a variety of factors, including an influx of weapons into cities and neighborhoods due to lax gun laws and increasingly strained socio-economic conditions that can lead to violence.
Colorado
Number of Homicides
488
Ranked in the US
#32
Homicide Rate
8.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
Crime Rate
5,179.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
15.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
Connecticut
Number of Homicides
220
Ranked in the US
#20
Homicide Rate
6.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
Crime Rate
2,801.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
Delaware
Number of Homicides
98
Ranked in the US
#12
Homicide Rate
9.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
Crime Rate
5,146.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
14.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
District of Columbia
Number of Homicides
339
Ranked in the US
#25
Homicide Rate
49.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#51
Crime Rate
317.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
Florida
Number of Homicides
2,087
Ranked in the US
#49
Homicide Rate
9.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
13.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
Georgia
Number of Homicides
834
Ranked in the US
#38
Homicide Rate
7.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
Crime Rate
2,856.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
17.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
Hawaii
Number of Homicides
65
Ranked in the US
#8
Homicide Rate
4.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
Crime Rate
2,941.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
3.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
Hawaii is the eighth safest state in the US, with only 65 homicides and a crime rate of 2,941.8 per 100k. The state is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and rich culture. Hawaii's low crime rate is due in part to its tight-knit communities, as well as its focus on tourism, education, and healthcare
Idaho
Number of Homicides
68
Ranked in the US
#9
Homicide Rate
3.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
Crime Rate
3,159.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
17.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
Idaho is the ninth safest state in the US, with 68 homicides and a crime rate of 3,159.4 per 100,000 people. Idaho's safety can be attributed to its low population density and relatively low poverty rate. Idaho's communities are close-knit and supportive, and the state has a high rate of volunteerism, which helps to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Illinois
Number of Homicides
1,137
Ranked in the US
#47
Homicide Rate
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
Crime Rate
97.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#45
14.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#24
Indiana
Number of Homicides
656
Ranked in the US
#35
Homicide Rate
9.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
Crime Rate
2,598.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
17.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
Iowa
Number of Homicides
172
Ranked in the US
#17
Homicide Rate
5.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
Crime Rate
3,712.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
11.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
Kansas
Number of Homicides
143
Ranked in the US
#14
Homicide Rate
4.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
Crime Rate
4,521.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
16.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
Kentucky
Number of Homicides
464
Ranked in the US
#28
Homicide Rate
10.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
Crime Rate
3,659.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
20.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
Louisiana
Number of Homicides
1,065
Ranked in the US
#42
Homicide Rate
22.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#50
Crime Rate
1,469.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
26.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#49
Maine
Number of Homicides
39
Ranked in the US
#4
Homicide Rate
2.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
Crime Rate
1,856.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
10.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
Wyoming is the third safest state in the US, with only 27 homicides and a crime rate of 566.9 per 100k. The state is known for its rugged beauty, vast open spaces, and low population density, which contribute to its low crime rate. Wyoming is also home to many natural attractions, including Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Maryland
Number of Homicides
738
Ranked in the US
#36
Homicide Rate
11.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#43
Crime Rate
732.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
13.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
Massachusetts
Number of Homicides
230
Ranked in the US
#21
Homicide Rate
3.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
Crime Rate
3,075.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#26
3.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
Massachusetts is the twenty-first safest state in America with 230 reported homicides. Massachusetts has achieved this safety with its commitment to public safety, social services, and public health initiatives. For example, Boston's community policing program has been credited with helping reduce crime in the city by nearly 14% over the last several years. Additionally, the state legislature recently passed several laws aimed at curbing gun violence, including extreme risk protection orders which allow family members or law enforcement personnel to petition courts to remove firearms from those deemed at risk of committing violent acts.
Michigan
Number of Homicides
1,067
Ranked in the US
#43
Homicide Rate
10.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
Crime Rate
3,854.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
14.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
Minnesota
Number of Homicides
323
Ranked in the US
#23
Homicide Rate
5.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
Crime Rate
2,771.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#32
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
Mississippi
Number of Homicides
350
Ranked in the US
#26
Homicide Rate
11.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
Crime Rate
2,055.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
28.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#50
Missouri
Number of Homicides
1,108
Ranked in the US
#46
Homicide Rate
18 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#49
Crime Rate
3,393.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
23.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#47
Montana
Number of Homicides
96
Ranked in the US
#11
Homicide Rate
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
Crime Rate
4,289.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#13
20.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#40
Nebraska
Number of Homicides
127
Ranked in the US
#13
Homicide Rate
6.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
10.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
Nevada
Number of Homicides
308
Ranked in the US
#22
Homicide Rate
9.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
Crime Rate
2,226.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#35
17 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#33
New Hampshire
Number of Homicides
20
Ranked in the US
#1
Homicide Rate
1.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#1
Crime Rate
3,390.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
8.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
New Hampshire is the safest state in the US, with only 20 homicides and a crime rate of 3,390.7 per 100k. The state is known for its low crime rate, thanks to its relatively small population and robust law enforcement agencies. The state also has a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a safe and secure place to live.
New Jersey
Number of Homicides
497
Ranked in the US
#33
Homicide Rate
5.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
New Mexico
Number of Homicides
193
Ranked in the US
#19
Homicide Rate
9.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
Crime Rate
3,815.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
22.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
New York
Number of Homicides
1,087
Ranked in the US
#44
Homicide Rate
5.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
Crime Rate
201.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
5.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#5
North Carolina
Number of Homicides
1,192
Ranked in the US
#48
Homicide Rate
11.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
Crime Rate
4,408.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
16 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#30
North Dakota
Number of Homicides
59
Ranked in the US
#6
Homicide Rate
7.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#22
Crime Rate
5,105.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
13.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#23
North Dakota is the sixth safest state in the US, with only 59 homicides and a crime rate of 5,105.7 per 100k. The state is known for its wide-open spaces, friendly people, and a strong economy. North Dakota's low crime rate is due in part to its rural character, as well as its focus on job creation, economic development, and education.
Ohio
Number of Homicides
1,089
Ranked in the US
#45
Homicide Rate
9.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#31
Crime Rate
3,449.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
15.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#28
Oklahoma
Number of Homicides
471
Ranked in the US
#29
Homicide Rate
11.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#44
Crime Rate
3,462 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
20.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#39
Oregon
Number of Homicides
188
Ranked in the US
#18
Homicide Rate
4.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
Crime Rate
4,712.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#9
13 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#16
Pennsylvania
Number of Homicides
433
Ranked in the US
#27
Homicide Rate
3.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
Crime Rate
8.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
13.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#19
Rhode Island
Number of Homicides
46
Ranked in the US
#5
Homicide Rate
4.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#7
Crime Rate
3,154.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
5.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#4
Rhode Island is the fifth safest state in the US, with only 46 homicides and a crime rate of 3,154.5 per 100k. The state is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. Rhode Island's low crime rate is due in part to its strong law enforcement agencies, as well as its commitment to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state also has a high standard of living, with excellent schools, hospitals, and job opportunities.
South Carolina
Number of Homicides
891
Ranked in the US
#40
Homicide Rate
17.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#48
Crime Rate
6,006.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#2
22 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#42
South Dakota
Number of Homicides
62
Ranked in the US
#7
Homicide Rate
7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
Crime Rate
4,928.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#8
13.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#20
South Dakota is the seventh safest state in the US, with only 62 homicides and a crime rate of 4,928.1 per 100k. The state is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and a strong sense of community. South Dakota's low crime rate is due in part to its rural character, as well as its focus on education, healthcare, and economic development.
Tennessee
Number of Homicides
970
Ranked in the US
#41
Homicide Rate
14 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#46
Crime Rate
5,926.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#3
21.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
Texas
Number of Homicides
2,993
Ranked in the US
#50
Homicide Rate
10.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#38
Crime Rate
3,999.3 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
14.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
Utah
Number of Homicides
147
Ranked in the US
#15
Homicide Rate
4.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#10
Crime Rate
4,498.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
13.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#21
Utah is the fifteenth safest state in America with 147 reported homicides. The data speaks to the state's strong commitment to safety and law enforcement, with key partnerships between local police departments and community groups to promote proactive crime prevention initiatives. Utah has a particularly low homicide rate compared to the national average, showing that its strategies are effective in preventing serious offenses. Homicide rates have decreased steadily over the past decade, with advancements in technology and law enforcement training increasing public safety even further.
Vermont
Number of Homicides
24
Ranked in the US
#2
Homicide Rate
3.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
Crime Rate
2,541.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#34
11.6 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#14
Vermont is the second safest state in the US, with only 24 homicides and a crime rate of 2,541.4 per 100k. The state is known for its peaceful, rural character, and low population density, contributing to its low crime rate. Vermont also has a strong sense of community, with tight-knit neighborhoods and a low incidence of social problems like drug abuse and homelessness.
Virginia
Number of Homicides
863
Ranked in the US
#39
Homicide Rate
10 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#36
Crime Rate
3,922 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
13.4 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#17
Washington
Number of Homicides
472
Ranked in the US
#30
Homicide Rate
6.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#18
Crime Rate
5,132.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#6
10.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#12
West Virginia
Number of Homicides
162
Ranked in the US
#16
Homicide Rate
9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
Crime Rate
2,897.8 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#29
18.1 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#37
Wisconsin
Number of Homicides
499
Ranked in the US
#34
Homicide Rate
8.5 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#25
Crime Rate
3,030.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#27
12.2 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#15
Wyoming
Number of Homicides
27
Ranked in the US
#3
Homicide Rate
4.7 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#11
Crime Rate
566.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#41
25.9 per 100k
Ranked in the US
#48
Wyoming is the third safest state in the US, with only 27 homicides and a crime rate of 566.9 per 100k. The state is known for its rugged beauty, vast open spaces, and low population density, which contribute to its low crime rate. Wyoming is also home to many natural attractions, including Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
FAQs
What is the safest state in the US?
The safest state in the US is New Hampshire, with a total of 20 homicides in a year.
What is the most dangerous state?
The most dangerous state in the US is California, with 3,500 homicides per year.
What are the top 5 safest states in America?
The 5 safest states in America are New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming, Maine, and Rhode Island.
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