Introduction to Area Codes
In this article of Area codes list we will discuss in detail about the area codes. Area codes are numerical prefixes used to identify specific geographical regions within a country or a particular jurisdiction. They are an essential part of phone numbers and are usually dialed before the local number. Area codes assist in directing calls to the appropriate destination, ensuring that they reach the intended recipient based on their location.
Area codes tie a phone number to a specific geographic area, and usually have to be dialed if you are outside of that area. This list offers area codes and which areas they refer to.
Area Codes List
| Area Codes List | ||
|---|---|---|
| Area Code | Description | |
| 52 55 | Mexico: Mexico City area (country code + city code) | |
| 201 | New Jersey: Jersey City, Hackensack (see split 973, overlay 551) | |
| 202 | Washington, D.C. | |
| 203 | Connecticut: Fairfield County and New Haven County; Bridgeport, New Haven (see 860) | |
| 204 | Canada: Manitoba | |
| 205 | Central Alabama (including Birmingham; excludes the southeastern corner of Alabama and the deep south; see splits 256 and 334) | |
| 206 | W Washington state: Seattle and Bainbridge Island (see splits 253, 360, 425; overlay 564) | |
| 207 | Maine | |
| 208 | Idaho | |
| 209 | Cent. California: Stockton (see split 559) | |
| 210 | S Texas: San Antonio (see also splits 830, 956) | |
| 211 | Local community info / referral services | |
| 212 | New York City, New York (Manhattan; see 646, 718) | |
| 213 | S California: Los Angeles (see 310, 323, 626, 818) | |
| 214 | Texas: Dallas Metro (overlays 469/972) | |
| 215 | SE Pennsylvania: Philadelphia (see overlays 267) | |
| 216 | Cleveland (see splits 330, 440) | |
| 217 | Cent. Illinois: Springfield | |
| 218 | N Minnesota: Duluth | |
| 219 | NW Indiana: Gary (see split 574, 260) | |
| 224 | Northern NE Illinois: Evanston, Waukegan, Northbrook (overlay on 847, eff 1/5/02) | |
| 225 | Louisiana: Baton Rouge, New Roads, Donaldsonville, Albany, Gonzales, Greensburg, Plaquemine, Vacherie (split from 504) | |
| 226 | Canada: SW Ontario: Windsor (overlaid on 519; eff 6/06) | |
| 228 | S Mississippi (coastal areas, Biloxi, Gulfport; split from 601) | |
| 229 | SW Georgia: Albany (split from 912; see also 478; perm 8/1/00) | |
| 231 | W Michigan: Northwestern portion of lower Peninsula; Traverse City, Muskegon, Cheboygan, Alanson | |
| 234 | NE Ohio: Canton, Akron (overlaid on 330; perm 10/30/00) | |
| 236 | Virginia (region unknown) / Unassigned? | |
| 239 | Florida (Lee, Collier, and Monroe Counties, excl the Keys; see 305; eff 3/11/02; mand 3/11/03) | |
| 240 | W Maryland: Silver Spring, Frederick, Gaithersburg (overlay, see 301) | |
| 242 | Bahamas | |
| 246 | Barbados | |
| 248 | Michigan: Oakland County, Pontiac (split from 810; see overlay 947) | |
| 250 | Canada: British Columbia (see 604) | |
| 251 | S Alabama: Mobile and coastal areas, Jackson, Evergreen, Monroeville (split from 334, eff 6/18/01; see also 205, 256) | |
| 252 | E North Carolina (Rocky Mount; split from 919) | |
| 253 | Washington: South Tier – Tacoma, Federal Way (split from 206, see also 425; overlay 564) | |
| 254 | Central Texas (Waco, Stephenville; split, see 817, 940) | |
| 256 | E and N Alabama (Huntsville, Florence, Gadsden; split from 205; see also 334) | |
| 260 | NE Indiana: Fort Wayne (see 219) | |
| 262 | SE Wisconsin: counties of Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha (split from 414) | |
| 264 | Anguilla (split from 809) | |
| 267 | SE Pennsylvania: Philadelphia (see 215) | |
| 268 | Antigua and Barbuda (split from 809) | |
| 269 | SW Michigan: Kalamazoo, Saugatuck, Hastings, Battle Creek, Sturgis to Lake Michigan (split from 616) | |
| 270 | W Kentucky: Bowling Green, Paducah (split from 502) | |
| 276 | S and SW Virginia: Bristol, Stuart, Martinsville (split from 540; perm 9/1/01, mand 3/16/02) | |
| 278 | Michigan (overlaid on 734, SUSPENDED) | |
| 281 | Texas: Houston Metro (split 713; overlay 832) | |
| 283 | SW Ohio: Cincinnati (cancelled: overlaid on 513) | |
| 284 | British Virgin Islands (split from 809) | |
| 289 | Canada: S Cent. Ontario: Greater Toronto Area — Durham, Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Niagara, Peel, York, and southern Simcoe County (excluding Toronto — overlaid on 905, eff 6/9/01) | |
| 301 | W Maryland: Silver Spring, Frederick, Camp Springs, Prince George’s County (see 240) | |
| 302 | Delaware | |
| 303 | Central Colorado: Denver (see 970, also 720 overlay) | |
| 304 | West Virginia | |
| 305 | SE Florida: Miami, the Keys (see 786, 954; 239) | |
| 306 | Canada: Saskatchewan | |
| 307 | Wyoming | |
| 308 | W Nebraska: North Platte | |
| 309 | W Cent. Illinois: Peoria | |
| 310 | S California: Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles (see split 562; overlay 424) | |
| 311 | Reserved for special applications | |
| 312 | Illinois: Chicago (downtown only — in the loop; see 773; overlay 872) | |
| 313 | Michigan: Detroit and suburbs (see 734, overlay 679) | |
| 314 | SE Missouri: St Louis city and parts of the metro area only (see 573, 636, overlay 557) | |
| 315 | N Cent. New York: Syracuse | |
| 316 | S Kansas: Wichita (see split 620) | |
| 317 | Cent. Indiana: Indianapolis (see 765) | |
| 318 | N Louisiana: Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe, Alexandria (see split 337) | |
| 319 | E Iowa: Cedar Rapids (see split 563) | |
| 320 | Cent. Minnesota: Saint Cloud (rural Minn, excl St. Paul/Minneapolis) | |
| 321 | Florida: Brevard County, Cape Canaveral area; Metro Orlando (split from 407) | |
| 323 | S California: Los Angeles (outside downtown: Hollywood; split from 213) | |
| 325 | Central Texas: Abilene, Sweetwater, Snyder, San Angelo (split from 915) | |
| 330 | NE Ohio: Akron, Canton, Youngstown; Mahoning County, parts of Trumbull/Warren counties (see splits 216, 440, overlay 234) | |
| 331 | W NE Illinois, western suburbs of Chicago (part of what used to be 708; overlaid on 630; eff 7/07) | |
| 334 | S Alabama: Auburn/Opelika, Montgomery and coastal areas (part of what used to be 205; see also 256, split 251) | |
| 336 | Cent. North Carolina: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point (split from 910) | |
| 337 | SW Louisiana: Lake Charles, Lafayette (see split 318) | |
| 339 | Massachusetts: Boston suburbs, to the south and west (see splits 617, 508; overlaid on 781, eff 5/2/01) | |
| 340 | US Virgin Islands (see also 809) | |
| 341 | (overlay on 510; SUSPENDED) | |
| 345 | Cayman Islands | |
| 347 | New York (overlay for 718: NYC area, except Manhattan) | |
| 351 | Massachusetts: north of Boston to NH, 508, and 781 (overlaid on 978, eff 4/2/01) | |
| 352 | Florida: Gainesville area, Ocala, Crystal River (split from 904) | |
| 360 | W Washington State: Olympia, Bellingham (area circling 206, 253, and 425; split from 206; see overlay 564) | |
| 361 | S Texas: Corpus Christi (split from 512; eff 2/13/99) | |
| 369 | Solano County (perm 12/2/00, mand 6/2/01) | |
| 380 | Ohio: Columbus (overlaid on 614; assigned but not in use) | |
| 385 | Utah: Salt Lake City Metro (split from 801, eff 3/30/02 POSTPONED; see also 435) | |
| 386 | N central Florida: Lake City (split from 904, perm 2/15/01, mand 11/5/01) | |
| 401 | Rhode Island | |
| 402 | E Nebraska: Omaha, Lincoln | |
| 403 | Canada: Southern Alberta (see 780, 867) | |
| 404 | N Georgia: Atlanta and suburbs (see overlay 678, split 770) | |
| 405 | W Oklahoma: Oklahoma City (see 580) | |
| 406 | Montana | |
| 407 | Central Florida: Metro Orlando (see overlay 689, eff 7/02; split 321) | |
| 408 | Cent. Coastal California: San Jose (see overlay 669) | |
| 409 | SE Texas: Galveston, Port Arthur, Beaumont (splits 936, 979) | |
| 410 | E Maryland: Baltimore, Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay area, Ocean City (see 443) | |
| 411 | Reserved for special applications | |
| 412 | W Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh (see split 724, overlay 878) | |
| 413 | W Massachusetts: Springfield | |
| 414 | SE Wisconsin: Milwaukee County (see splits 920, 262) | |
| 415 | California: San Francisco County and Marin County on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, extending north to Sonoma County (see 650) | |
| 416 | Canada: S Cent. Ontario: Toronto (see overlay 647, eff 3/5/01) | |
| 417 | SW Missouri: Springfield | |
| 418 | Canada: NE Quebec: Quebec | |
| 419 | NW Ohio: Toledo (see overlay 567, perm 1/1/02) | |
| 423 | E Tennessee, except Knoxville metro area: Chattanooga, Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville (see split 865; part of what used to be 615) | |
| 424 | S California: Los Angeles (see split 562; overlaid on 310 mand 7/26/06) | |
| 425 | Washington: North Tier – Everett, Bellevue (split from 206, see also 253; overlay 564) | |
| 430 | NE Texas: Tyler (overlaid on 903, eff 7/20/02) | |
| 432 | W Texas: Big Spring, Midland, Odessa (split from 915, eff 4/5/03) | |
| 434 | E Virginia: Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Danville, South Boston, and Emporia (split from 804, eff 6/1/01; see also 757) | |
| 435 | Rural Utah outside Salt Lake City metro (see split 801) | |
| 438 | Canada: SW Quebec: Montreal city (overlaid on 514, [delayed until 6/06] eff 10/10/03, mand 2/7/04) | |
| 440 | Ohio: Cleveland metro area, excluding Cleveland (split from 216, see also 330) | |
| 441 | Bermuda (part of what used to be 809) | |
| 442 | Far north suburbs of San Diego (Oceanside, Escondido, SUSPENDED — originally perm 10/21/00, mand 4/14/01) | |
| 443 | E Maryland: Baltimore, Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay area, Ocean City (overlaid on 410) | |
| 450 | Canada: Southeastern Quebec; suburbs outside metro Montreal | |
| 456 | Inbound International | |
| 464 | Illinois: south suburbs of Chicago (see 630; overlaid on 708) | |
| 469 | Texas: Dallas Metro (overlays 214/972) | |
| 470 | Georgia: Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area (overlaid on 404/770/678; mand 9/2/01) | |
| 473 | Grenada (“new” — split from 809) | |
| 475 | Connecticut: New Haven, Greenwich, southwestern (postponed; was perm 1/6/01; mand 3/1/01???) | |
| 478 | Central Georgia: Macon (split from 912; see also 229; perm 8/1/00; mand 8/1/01) | |
| 479 | NW Arkansas: Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville (SPLIt from 501, perm 1/19/02, mand 7/20/02) | |
| 480 | Arizona: East Phoenix (see 520; also Phoenix split 602, 623) | |
| 484 | SE Pennsylvania: Allentown, Bethlehem, Reading, West Chester, Norristown (see 610) | |
| 500 | Personal Communication Service | |
| 501 | Central Arkansas: Little Rock, Hot Springs, Conway (see split 479) | |
| 502 | N Central Kentucky: Louisville (see 270) | |
| 503 | Oregon (see 541, 971) | |
| 504 | E Louisiana: New Orleans metro area (see splits 225, 985) | |
| 505 | North central and northwestern New Mexico (Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos; see split 575, eff 10/07/07) | |
| 506 | Canada: New Brunswick | |
| 507 | S Minnesota: Rochester, Mankato, Worthington | |
| 508 | Cent. Massachusetts: Framingham; Cape Cod (see split 978, overlay 774) | |
| 509 | E and Central Washington state: Spokane, Yakima, Walla Walla, Ellensburg | |
| 510 | California: Oakland, East Bay (see 925) | |
| 511 | Nationwide travel information | |
| 512 | S Texas: Austin (see split 361; overlay 737, perm 11/10/01) | |
| 513 | SW Ohio: Cincinnati (see split 937; overlay 283 cancelled) | |
| 514 | Canada: SW Quebec: Montreal city (see overlay 438, eff 10/10/03, mand 2/7/04) | |
| 515 | Cent. Iowa: Des Moines (see split 641) | |
| 516 | New York: Nassau County, Long Island; Hempstead (see split 631) | |
| 517 | Cent. Michigan: Lansing (see split 989) | |
| 518 | NE New York: Albany | |
| 519 | Canada: SW Ontario: Windsor (see overlay 226) | |
| 520 | SE Arizona: Tucson area (split from 602; see split 928) | |
| 530 | NE California: Eldorado County area, excluding Eldorado Hills itself: incl cities of Auburn, Chico, Redding, So. Lake Tahoe, Marysville, Nevada City/Grass Valley (split from 916) | |
| 540 | Western and Southwest Virginia: Shenandoah and Roanoke valleys: Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Salem, Lexington and nearby areas (see split 276; split from 703) | |
| 541 | Oregon: Eugene, Medford (split from 503; 503 retains NW part [Portland/Salem], all else moves to 541; eastern oregon is UTC-7) | |
| 551 | N New Jersey: Jersey City, Hackensack (overlaid on 201) | |
| 555 | Reserved for directory assistance applications | |
| 557 | SE Missouri: St Louis metro area only (cancelled: overlaid on 314) | |
| 559 | Central California: Fresno (split from 209) | |
| 561 | S. Central Florida: Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Vero Beach; see split 772, eff 2/11/02; mand 11/11/02) | |
| 562 | California: Long Beach (split from 310 Los Angeles) | |
| 563 | E Iowa: Davenport, Dubuque (split from 319, eff 3/25/01) | |
| 564 | W Washington State: Olympia, Bellingham (overlaid on 360; see also 206, 253, 425; assigned but not in use) | |
| 567 | NW Ohio: Toledo (overlaid on 419, perm 1/1/02) | |
| 570 | NE and N Central Pennsylvania: Wilkes-Barre, Scranton (see 717) | |
| 571 | Northern Virginia: Arlington, McLean, Tysons Corner (to be overlaid on 703 3/1/00; see earlier split 540) | |
| 573 | SE Missouri: excluding St Louis metro area, includes Central/East Missouri, area between St. Louis and Kansas City | |
| 574 | N Indiana: Elkhart, South Bend (split from 219) | |
| 575 | New Mexico (Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Roswell; split from 505, eff 10/07/07) | |
| 580 | W Oklahoma (rural areas outside Oklahoma City; split from 405) | |
| 585 | NW New York: Rochester (split from 716) | |
| 586 | Michigan: Macomb County (split from 810; perm 9/22/01, mand 3/23/02) | |
| 600 | Canadian Services | |
| 601 | Mississippi: Meridian, Jackson area (see splits 228, 662; overlay 769) | |
| 602 | Arizona: Phoenix (see 520; also Phoenix split 480, 623) | |
| 603 | New Hampshire | |
| 604 | Canada: British Columbia: Greater Vancouver (overlay 778, perm 11/3/01; see 250) | |
| 605 | South Dakota | |
| 606 | E Kentucky: area east of Frankfort: Ashland (see 859) | |
| 607 | S Cent. New York: Ithaca, Binghamton; Catskills | |
| 608 | SW Wisconsin: Madison | |
| 609 | S New Jersey: Trenton (see 856) | |
| 610 | SE Pennsylvania: Allentown, Bethlehem, Reading, West Chester, Norristown (see overlays 484, 835) | |
| 611 | Reserved for special applications | |
| 612 | Cent. Minnesota: Minneapolis (split from St. Paul, see 651; see splits 763, 952) | |
| 613 | Canada: SE Ontario: Ottawa | |
| 614 | SE Ohio: Columbus (see overlay 380) | |
| 615 | Northern Middle Tennessee: Nashville metro area (see 423, 931) | |
| 616 | W Michigan: Holland, Grand Haven, Greenville, Grand Rapids, Ionia (see split 269) | |
| 617 | Massachusetts: greater Boston (see overlay 857) | |
| 618 | S Illinois: Centralia | |
| 619 | S California: San Diego (see split 760; overlay 858, 935) | |
| 620 | S Kansas: Wichita (split from 316; perm 2/3/01) | |
| 623 | Arizona: West Phoenix (see 520; also Phoenix split 480, 602) | |
| 626 | E S California: Pasadena (split from 818 Los Angeles) | |
| 627 | No longer in use [was Napa, Sonoma counties (perm 10/13/01, mand 4/13/02); now 707] | |
| 628 | (Region unknown; perm 10/21/00) | |
| 630 | W NE Illinois, western suburbs of Chicago (part of what used to be 708; overlay 331) | |
| 631 | New York: Suffolk County, Long Island; Huntington, Riverhead (split 516) | |
| 636 | Missouri: W St. Louis metro area of St. Louis county, St. Charles County, Jefferson County area south (between 314 and 573) | |
| 641 | Iowa: Mason City, Marshalltown, Creston, Ottumwa (split from 515; perm 7/9/00) | |
| 646 | New York (overlay 212/917) NYC: Manhattan only | |
| 647 | Canada: S Cent. Ontario: Toronto (overlaid on 416; eff 3/5/01) | |
| 649 | Turks & Caicos Islands | |
| 650 | California: Peninsula south of San Francisco — San Mateo County, parts of Santa Clara County (split from 415) | |
| 651 | Cent. Minnesota: St. Paul (split from Minneapolis, see 612) | |
| 660 | N Missouri (split from 816) | |
| 661 | California: N Los Angeles, Mckittrick, Mojave, Newhall, Oildale, Palmdale, Taft, Tehachapi, Bakersfield, Earlimart, Lancaster (split from 805) | |
| 662 | N Mississippi: Tupelo, Grenada (split from 601) | |
| 664 | Montserrat (split from 809) | |
| 669 | Cent. Coastal California: San Jose (rejected was: overlaid on 408) | |
| 670 | Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI, US Commonwealth) | |
| 671 | Guam | |
| 678 | N Georgia: metropolitan Atlanta (overlay; see 404, 770) | |
| 679 | Michigan: Dearborn area (overlaid on 313; assigned but not in use) | |
| 682 | Texas: Fort Worth areas (perm 10/7/00, mand 12/9/00) | |
| 684 | American Samoa | |
| 689 | Central Florida: Metro Orlando (see overlay 321; overlaid on 407, assigned but not in use) | |
| 700 | Interexchange Carrier Services | |
| 701 | North Dakota | |
| 702 | S. Nevada: Clark County, incl Las Vegas (see 775) | |
| 703 | Northern Virginia: Arlington, McLean, Tysons Corner (see split 540; overlay 571) | |
| 704 | W North Carolina: Charlotte (see split 828, overlay 980) | |
| 705 | Canada: NE Ontario: Sault Ste. Marie/N Ontario: N Bay, Sudbury | |
| 706 | N Georgia: Columbus, Augusta (see overlay 762) | |
| 707 | NW California: Santa Rosa, Napa, Vallejo, American Canyon, Fairfield | |
| 708 | Illinois: southern and western suburbs of Chicago (see 630; overlay 464) | |
| 709 | Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador | |
| 710 | US Government | |
| 711 | Telecommunications Relay Services | |
| 712 | W Iowa: Council Bluffs | |
| 713 | Mid SE Texas: central Houston (split, 281; overlay 832) | |
| 714 | North and Central Orange County (see split 949) | |
| 715 | N Wisconsin: Eau Claire, Wausau, Superior | |
| 716 | NW New York: Buffalo (see split 585) | |
| 717 | E Pennsylvania: Harrisburg (see split 570) | |
| 718 | New York City, New York (Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, and Brooklyn; see 212, 347) | |
| 719 | SE Colorado: Pueblo, Colorado Springs | |
| 720 | Central Colorado: Denver (overlaid on 303) | |
| 724 | SW Pennsylvania (areas outside metro Pittsburgh; split from 412) | |
| 727 | Florida Tampa Metro: Saint Petersburg, Clearwater (Pinellas and parts of Pasco County; split from 813) | |
| 731 | W Tennessee: outside Memphis metro area (split from 901, perm 2/12/01, mand 9/17/01) | |
| 732 | Cent. New Jersey: Toms River, New Brunswick, Bound Brook (see overlay 848) | |
| 734 | SE Michigan: west and south of Detroit — Ann Arbor, Monroe (split from 313) | |
| 737 | S Texas: Austin (overlaid on 512, suspended; see also 361) | |
| 740 | SE Ohio (rural areas outside Columbus; split from 614) | |
| 747 | S California: Los Angeles, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village (see 818; implementation suspended) | |
| 754 | Florida: Broward County area, incl Ft. Lauderdale (overlaid on 954; perm 8/1/01, mand 9/1/01) | |
| 757 | E Virginia: Tidewater / Hampton Roads area — Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk (part of what used to be 804) | |
| 758 | St. Lucia (split from 809) | |
| 760 | California: San Diego North County to Sierra Nevada (split from 619) | |
| 762 | N Georgia: Columbus, Augusta (overlaid on 706) | |
| 763 | Minnesota: Minneapolis NW (split from 612; see also 952) | |
| 764 | overlay on 650; SUSPENDED) | |
| 765 | Indiana: outside Indianapolis (split from 317) | |
| 767 | Dominica (split from 809) | |
| 769 | Mississippi: Meridian, Jackson area (overlaid on 601; perm 7/19/04, mand 3/14/05) | |
| 770 | Georgia: Atlanta suburbs: outside of I-285 ring road (part of what used to be 404; see also overlay 678) | |
| 772 | S. Central Florida: St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties (split from 561; eff 2/11/02; mand 11/11/02) | |
| 773 | Illinois: city of Chicago, outside the loop (see 312; overlay 872) | |
| 774 | Cent. Massachusetts: Framingham; Cape Cod (see split 978, overlaid on 508, eff 4/2/01) | |
| 775 | N. Nevada: Reno (all of NV except Clark County area; see 702) | |
| 778 | Canada: British Columbia: Greater Vancouver (overlaid on 604, per 11/3/01; see also 250) | |
| 779 | NW Illinois: Rockford, Kankakee (overlaid on 815; eff 8/19/06, mand 2/17/07) | |
| 780 | Canada: Northern Alberta, north of Lacombe (see 403) | |
| 781 | Massachusetts: Boston surburbs, to the north and west (see splits 617, 508; overlay 339) | |
| 784 | St. Vincent & Grenadines (split from 809) | |
| 785 | N & W Kansas: Topeka (split from 913) | |
| 786 | SE Florida, Monroe County (Miami; overlaid on 305) | |
| 787 | Puerto Rico (see overlay 939, perm 8/1/01) | |
| 800 | US/Canada toll free (see 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, 822) | |
| 801 | Utah: Salt Lake City Metro (see split 385, eff 3/30/02; see also split 435) | |
| 802 | Vermont | |
| 803 | South Carolina: Columbia, Aiken, Sumter (see 843, 864) | |
| 804 | E Virginia: Richmond (see splits 757, 434) | |
| 805 | S Cent. and Cent. Coastal California: Ventura County, Santa Barbara County: San Luis Obispo, Thousand Oaks, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Ynez Valley / Solvang (see 661 split) | |
| 806 | Panhandle Texas: Amarillo, Lubbock | |
| 807 | Canada: W Ontario: Thunder Bay region to Manitoba border | |
| 808 | Hawaii | |
| 809 | Dominican Republic (see splits 264, 268, 284, 340, 441, 473, 664, 758, 767, 784, 868, 876; overlay 829) | |
| 810 | E Michigan: Flint, Pontiac (see 248; split 586) | |
| 811 | Reserved for special applications | |
| 812 | S Indiana: Evansville, Cincinnati outskirts in IN, Columbus, Bloomington (mostly GMT-5) | |
| 813 | SW Florida: Tampa Metro (splits 727 St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and 941 Sarasota) | |
| 814 | Cent. Pennsylvania: Erie | |
| 815 | NW Illinois: Rockford, Kankakee (see overlay 779; eff 8/19/06, mand 2/17/07) | |
| 816 | N Missouri: Kansas City (see split 660, overlay 975) | |
| 817 | N Cent. Texas: Fort Worth area (see 254, 940) | |
| 818 | S California: Los Angeles: San Fernando Valley (see 213, 310, 562, 626, 747) | |
| 819 | NW Quebec: Trois Rivieres, Sherbrooke, Outaouais (Gatineau, Hull), and the Laurentians (up to St Jovite / Tremblant) (see 867) | |
| 822 | US/Canada toll free (proposed, may not be in use yet) | |
| 828 | W North Carolina: Asheville (split from 704) | |
| 829 | Dominican Republic (perm 1/31/05; mand 8/1/05; overlaid on 809) | |
| 830 | Texas: region surrounding San Antonio (split from 210) | |
| 831 | California: central coast area from Santa Cruz through Monterey County | |
| 832 | Texas: Houston (overlay 713/281) | |
| 833 | US/Canada toll free (proposed, may not be in use yet) | |
| 835 | SE Pennsylvania: Allentown, Bethlehem, Reading, West Chester, Norristown (overlaid on 610, eff 5/1/01; see also 484) | |
| 843 | South Carolina, coastal area: Charleston, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach (split from 803) | |
| 844 | US/Canada toll free (proposed, may not be in use yet) | |
| 845 | New York: Poughkeepsie; Nyack, Nanuet, Valley Cottage, New City, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and parts of Sullivan counties in New York’s lower Hudson Valley and Delaware County in the Catskills (see 914; perm 6/5/00) | |
| 847 | Northern NE Illinois: northwestern suburbs of chicago (Evanston, Waukegan, Northbrook; see overlay 224) | |
| 848 | Cent. New Jersey: Toms River, New Brunswick, Bound Brook (see overlay 732) | |
| 850 | Florida panhandle, from east of Tallahassee to Pensacola (split from 904); western panhandle (Pensacola, Panama City) are UTC-6 | |
| 855 | US/Canada toll free (proposed, may not be in use yet) | |
| 856 | SW New Jersey: greater Camden area, Mt Laurel (split from 609) | |
| 857 | Massachusetts: greater Boston (overlaid on 617, eff 4/2/01) | |
| 858 | S California: San Diego (see split 760; overlay 619, 935) | |
| 859 | N and Central Kentucky: Lexington; suburban KY counties of Cincinnati OH metro area; Covington, Newport, Ft. Thomas, Ft. Wright, Florence (split from 606) | |
| 860 | Connecticut: areas outside of Fairfield and New Haven Counties (split from 203, overlay 959) | |
| 862 | N New Jersey: Newark Paterson Morristown (overlaid on 973) | |
| 863 | Florida: Lakeland, Polk County (split from 941) | |
| 864 | South Carolina, upstate area: Greenville, Spartanburg (split from 803) | |
| 865 | E Tennessee: Knoxville, Knox and adjacent counties (split from 423; part of what used to be 615 | |
| 866 | US/Canada toll free | |
| 867 | Canada: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut (split from 403/819) | |
| 868 | Trinidad and Tobago (“new” — see 809) | |
| 869 | St. Kitts & Nevis | |
| 870 | Arkansas: areas outside of west/central AR: Jonesboro, etc | |
| 872 | Illinois: Chicago (downtown only — in the loop; see 773; overlaid on 312 and 773) | |
| 876 | Jamaica (split from 809) | |
| 877 | US/Canada toll free | |
| 878 | Pittsburgh, New Castle (overlaid on 412, perm 8/17/01, mand t.b.a.) | |
| 880, 881, 882 | Paid Toll-Free Service | |
| 888 | US/Canada toll free | |
| 898 | VoIP service | |
| 900 | US toll calls — prices vary with the number called | |
| 901 | W Tennessee: Memphis metro area (see 615, 931, split 731) | |
| 902 | Canada: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island | |
| 903 | NE Texas: Tyler (see overlay 430, eff 7/20/02) | |
| 904 | N Florida: Jacksonville (see splits 352, 386, 850) | |
| 905 | Canada: S Cent. Ontario: Greater Toronto Area — Durham, Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Niagara, Peel, York, and southern Simcoe County (excluding Toronto — see overlay 289 [eff 6/9/01], splits 416, 647) | |
| 906 | Upper Peninsula Michigan: Sault Ste. Marie, Escanaba, Marquette (UTC-6 towards the WI border) | |
| 907 | Alaska | |
| 908 | Cent. New Jersey: Elizabeth, Basking Ridge, Somerville, Bridgewater, Bound Brook | |
| 909 | California: Inland empire: San Bernardino (see split 951), Riverside | |
| 910 | S Cent. North Carolina: Fayetteville, Wilmington (see 336) | |
| 911 | Emergency | |
| 912 | SE Georgia: Savannah (see splits 229, 478) | |
| 913 | Kansas: Kansas City area (see 785) | |
| 914 | S New York: Westchester County (see 845) | |
| 915 | W Texas: El Paso (see splits 325 eff 4/5/03; 432, eff 4/5/03) | |
| 916 | NE California: Sacramento, Walnut Grove, Lincoln, Newcastle and El Dorado Hills (split to 530) | |
| 917 | New York: New York City (cellular, see 646) | |
| 918 | E Oklahoma: Tulsa | |
| 919 | E North Carolina: Raleigh (see split 252, overlay 984) | |
| 920 | NE Wisconsin: Appleton, Green Bay, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac (from Beaver Dam NE to Oshkosh, Appleton, and Door County; part of what used to be 414) | |
| 925 | California: Contra Costa area: Antioch, Concord, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek (split from 510) | |
| 927 | Florida: Cellular coverage in Orlando area | |
| 928 | Central and Northern Arizona: Prescott, Flagstaff, Yuma (split from 520) | |
| 931 | Middle Tennessee: semi-circular ring around Nashville (split from 615) | |
| 935 | S California: San Diego (see split 760; overlay 858, 619; assigned but not in use) | |
| 936 | SE Texas: Conroe, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Crockett (split from 409, see also 979) | |
| 937 | SW Ohio: Dayton (part of what used to be 513) | |
| 939 | Puerto Rico (overlaid on 787, perm 8/1/01) | |
| 940 | N Cent. Texas: Denton, Wichita Falls (split from 254, 817) | |
| 941 | SW Florida: Sarasota and Manatee counties (part of what used to be 813; see split 863) | |
| 947 | Michigan: Oakland County (overlays 248, perm 5/5/01) | |
| 949 | California: S Coastal Orange County (split from 714) | |
| 951 | California: W Riverside County (split from 909; eff 7/17/04) | |
| 952 | Minnesota: Minneapolis SW, Bloomington (split from 612; see also 763) | |
| 954 | Florida: Broward County area, incl Ft. Lauderdale (part of what used to be 305, see overlay 754) | |
| 956 | Texas: Valley of Texas area; Harlingen, Laredo (split from 210) | |
| 957 | New Mexico (pending; region unknown) | |
| 959 | Connecticut: Hartford, New London (postponed; was overlaid on 860 perm 1/6/01; mand 3/1/01???) | |
| 970 | N and W Colorado (part of what used to be 303) | |
| 971 | Oregon: Metropolitan Portland, Salem/Keizer area, incl Cricket Wireless (see 503; perm 10/1/00) | |
| 972 | Texas: Dallas Metro (overlays 214/469) | |
| 973 | N New Jersey: Newark, Paterson, Morristown (see overlay 862; split from 201) | |
| 975 | N Missouri: Kansas City (overlaid on 816) | |
| 976 | Unassigned | |
| 978 | Massachusetts: north of Boston to NH (see split 978 — this is the northern half of old 508; see overlay 351) | |
| 979 | SE Texas: Bryan, College Station, Bay City (split from 409, see also 936) | |
| 980 | North Carolina: (overlay on 704; perm 5/1/00, mand 3/15/01) | |
| 984 | E North Carolina: Raleigh (overlaid on 919, perm 8/1/01, mand 2/5/02 POSTPONED) | |
| 985 | E Louisiana: SE/N shore of Lake Pontchartrain: Hammond, Slidell, Covington, Amite, Kentwood, area SW of New Orleans, Houma, Thibodaux, Morgan City (split from 504; perm 2/12/01; mand 10/22/01) | |
| 989 | Upper central Michigan: Mt Pleasant, Saginaw (split from 517; perm 4/7/01) | |
| 999 | Often used by carriers to indicate that the area code information is unavailable for CNID, even though the rest of the number is present | |
The Purpose and Significance of Area Codes
The primary purpose of area codes is to provide a systematic method for categorizing phone numbers based on their geographical location. This categorization allows telecommunication providers to efficiently route calls to their intended destinations, reducing the chances of misdirected or delayed communication.
Understanding the Structure of Area Codes
An area code typically comprises three digits and is usually followed by a local phone number. The first digit of the area code often carries specific information about the region’s size or population, while the second and third digits further narrow down the location.
Main Components of an Area Code
-
First Digit:
Indicates the general geographic area.
-
Second and Third Digits:
Refine the location to a more specific region.
Geographical Distribution of Area Codes
Area codes are distributed geographically, with different regions having unique codes. This distribution facilitates the efficient management of telephone networks and helps users identify the approximate location of the caller.
How Area Codes Are Assigned
Area codes are assigned based on the geographical distribution of phone numbers and the need for effective call routing. The assignment process involves telecommunication authorities and organizations responsible for overseeing the allocation of numbers.
Allocation by Geographical Regions
In most cases, area codes are allocated to specific regions within a country. As populations grow and demand for phone numbers increases, new area codes may be introduced to accommodate the influx of users.
Overlay Area Codes: A Modern Solution
In densely populated areas or regions with limited available phone numbers, overlay area codes may be introduced. Overlay codes are added to the same geographic area as an existing code, providing additional numbers without forcing residents and businesses to change their existing numbers.
Important Area Codes
- 856 Area Code
- 434 Area Code
- 857 Area Code
- 478 Area Code
- 620 Area Code
- 763 Area Code
- 430 Area Code
- 709 Area code
- 444 Area Code
- 450 Area Code
- 627 Area Code
- 761 Area Code
- Area Code 444
- 751 Area Code
- 764 Area Code
- 921 Area Code
- 247 Area Code
- 625 Area Code
- 752 Area Code
- 366 Area Code
Benefits of Area Codes
Area codes offer several advantages that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of modern communication.
Efficient Call Routing
Area codes play a vital role in routing calls to their intended recipients swiftly and accurately. By designating specific regions, telecommunication systems can determine the most efficient pathways for connecting callers.
Geographical Identification
Area codes provide immediate geographical information about the caller’s location. This feature is especially useful for emergency services, allowing them to respond promptly and accurately to distress calls.
Personal and Business Significance
For individuals and businesses, area codes can hold personal or professional significance. They can indicate where a person resides or a company is based, adding a layer of identity to the phone number.
Stay tuned for the rest of the article, which will delve deeper into the intricacies of area codes, their misconceptions, tips for using them effectively, and their cultural references.
Navigating Long-Distance Calls with Area Codes
Long-distance calls involve dialing area codes different from your own. This is particularly important for international and national long-distance calls.
International Dialing Codes
When making international calls, it’s crucial to know the correct country code in addition to the recipient’s area code. Country codes are typically prefixed with a “+” sign to indicate international dialing.
National Long-Distance Calls
Even within a country, national long-distance calls may require specific codes to distinguish between different regions. Understanding these codes ensures that your calls are connected smoothly.
Impact of Mobile Technology on Area Codes
The rise of mobile technology has brought about changes in how area codes are managed and used.
Mobile Number Portability and Area Codes
Mobile number portability allows users to retain their phone numbers even when switching service providers. This has implications for area codes, as people might keep their original code despite changing locations.
Virtual Phone Numbers and Area Codes
Virtual phone numbers are becoming increasingly popular, especially for businesses operating in multiple locations. These numbers can have area codes from different regions, allowing companies to establish a local presence.
The Future of Area Codes
Despite the advancements in communication technology, area codes remain relevant and will likely continue to do so.
Potential Changes and Trends
With the evolution of telecommunication systems, there might be changes in how area codes are structured or assigned. New formats or adjustments could be introduced to accommodate emerging technologies.
Continued Relevance in Communication
Area codes are deeply ingrained in the communication infrastructure and have stood the test of time. Their role in routing calls efficiently ensures their continued importance.
Practical Tips for Using Area Codes Effectively
Optimizing your use of area codes can enhance your communication experience and prevent potential issues.
Saving Contacts with Area Codes
When saving contacts, include the full phone number with the area code. This ensures that your calls and messages are correctly routed.
Verifying Area Codes for Scams
Scammers often use fake area codes to deceive recipients. Verify area codes for unfamiliar numbers before engaging in communication to avoid falling victim to scams.
Area Codes and Cultural References
Area codes have made their way into popular culture and media.
Pop Culture References
Area codes are sometimes referenced in songs, movies, and TV shows as a way to evoke a sense of place or identity.
Iconic Area Codes in Media
Certain area codes have become iconic, associated with specific cities or regions. These codes can carry a sense of nostalgia and recognition.
Stay tuned for the concluding part of this article, where we’ll address common FAQs about area codes and their significance.
FAQs About Area Codes
- What is an area code?
- An area code is a numerical prefix used to identify a specific geographic region within a country or jurisdiction.
- How are area codes assigned?
- Area codes are assigned by telecommunication authorities based on the distribution of phone numbers and the need for effective call routing.
- Do area codes have any significance beyond routing calls?
- Yes, area codes can indicate the general location of the caller or recipient, and they can also carry cultural or regional significance.
- Can I change my area code if I move to a different location?
- In some cases, you might be able to keep your existing area code when you move, especially with mobile number portability. However, changing your area code may depend on your service provider and the available options.
- Why are area codes necessary for long-distance calls?
- Area codes help route calls efficiently to the correct destination, especially when the call is going to a different geographic area or country.
- Are area codes the same for landline and mobile phones?
- Yes, area codes are used for both landline and mobile phone numbers to indicate the region of the phone’s registration.
- What is the purpose of international dialing codes?
- International dialing codes (also known as country codes) are used to specify the country to which you’re dialing. They are combined with the area code and local number to complete an international call.
- Can I determine the approximate location of a caller by their area code?
- Yes, area codes can provide a general idea of where a caller is located, but keep in mind that area codes might cover larger regions than you might expect.
- What are overlay area codes and why are they used?
- Overlay area codes are introduced in areas where the available phone numbers are running out. They coexist with existing codes, allowing new numbers to be assigned without changing existing ones.
- How often are new area codes introduced?
- The introduction of new area codes depends on the demand for phone numbers in a particular region. As populations grow and more devices require phone numbers, new codes may be introduced.
- Are there any area codes that cover multiple states or regions?
- Yes, there are instances where a single area code covers multiple states or regions, especially in sparsely populated areas.
- Do area codes ever change or get reassigned?
- Yes, area codes can change or get reassigned due to shifts in population, changes in telecommunications infrastructure, or the introduction of new technologies.
- Are area codes unique within a country?
- Yes, area codes are unique combinations within a country or jurisdiction, ensuring that each region has a distinct code.
- Can two different countries have the same area code?
- While it’s rare, two different countries might have the same area code. However, the country code accompanying the area code ensures proper international dialing.
- Are there any special area codes for toll-free numbers?
- Yes, toll-free numbers often use specific area codes, such as 800, 888, 877, and others, to indicate that the call is free for the caller.
- Can area codes impact the cost of calls and messages?
- While area codes themselves don’t directly impact costs, long-distance or international calls may have different rates based on the area codes involved.
- What’s the significance of the first digit in an area code?
- The first digit often indicates the region’s size or population, providing a general sense of the area covered by the code.
- Are there area codes specifically designated for businesses?
- There are no specific area codes exclusively for businesses. Businesses use the same area codes as individuals, but they might acquire multiple lines or virtual numbers.
- How do virtual phone numbers relate to area codes?
- Virtual phone numbers can have area codes from different regions, allowing businesses and individuals to establish a local presence in areas where they don’t physically operate.
- Can I have multiple area codes for a single phone number?
- Generally, a single phone number has one primary area code. However, with virtual phone numbers and some services, you might be able to have multiple area codes associated with the same number.
Conclusion
Area codes are more than just numerical prefixes; they are the backbone of modern communication, ensuring that our calls and messages reach their intended destinations. From efficient call routing to cultural references, area codes have embedded themselves in our lives in various ways. As technology continues to evolve, area codes will likely adapt and persist, maintaining their role in keeping us connected across distances.