14 Most Popular Area Codes in the US in 2024

In 2024, people are more mobile than ever, constantly changing homes, jobs, cities, and even states. Despite all this movement, one thing remains constant and cherished by most people: their phone numbers.

The United States has over 335 area codes, each signifying distinct locations and regions. However, certain area codes are highly regarded for their popularity. These seek-after area codes offer a distinctive identity and a feeling of prestige for both individuals and businesses, contributing to a sense of uniqueness and value.

So, without any further delay, let’s get started on the main topic, including the 14 most popular area codes in the US.

🖋️Note: The United States is divided into 317 geographic area codes and 18 non-geographic area codes, for a total of 335 area codes.

What are area codes?

Area codes are the initial three numbers of a telephone number, which are also named national destination codes. AT&T and Bell System, established in 1947 in the US, serve as the primary reason for long-distance phone calls being well connected by avoiding ambiguities to enable callers to access particular areas within a state. Each area code is linked to a distinct geographic location or region, ensuring that calls are directed to the correct local telephone exchanges. 

For example, the 212 area code is assigned to the state of New York. It helps callers identify and connect with individuals and businesses in that region. By organizing the vast network of telephone lines and managing call traffic effectively, area codes play a crucial role in the functioning of the telecommunications system. This system has since been adopted by many other countries worldwide and has become an integral part of global telecommunication infrastructure.

The evolution of the area code

They activated area codes not until the middle of the 20th century, long after the telephone was invented. When they commenced, human operators at the telephone switchboard enabled telephone calls.

The system was not scalable, particularly in cities with huge settlements. As time went by, more people bought the increasingly cheaper landline phones and started relying more on them, but there were simply too few operators, and one had to wait before their call was placed.

In the 1940s, the Bell System company began working on a numeric system that eventually led to a three-digit area code, shaping how we identify geographical regions in telephone communications today.

In 1951, the first direct-dial call was made by dialing the prestigious area code 415, which is still in use in California. This historic call was placed from the Mayor of New Jersey to the Mayor of Alameda, CA.

Top 14 most popular and highly demanded area codes in the USA 2024

Let’s get into the main points. The following are the top 14 most popular area codes that are highly recognized by all and valued:

212 area Code- New York City, New York City

The 212 area code is a New York telephone area code covering North America’s Manhattan area. Many industries use it and it is an integral part of phone numbers in the United States.

Area code 212, assigned to Manhattan in New York City, is widely considered to be one of the most desirable in the United States. This is largely due to the rich and prestigious neighborhoods that it encompasses.

When placing a call with the 212 area code, it is widely associated with being from New York. However, the same recognition does not always extend to the overlays 312, 646, and 917. These area codes may not have the same instantaneous association with New York as 212 does.

225 area code- Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The 225 area code was established on August 17, 1998. It covers the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, which is located in the state of Louisiana. This area is renowned for its rich 300-year history, diverse range of museums, vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent shopping opportunities, and a delectable array of culinary offerings. 

512 area code- Austin, Texas

The 512 area code was designated as one of the original 86 area codes in 1947. It covers a population of 983,126 residents in Austin, the vibrant capital city of Texas. Austin is not only home to major tech giants like Apple, Silicon Labs, and Dell Technologies but also boasts a rich music industry and others.

213 area code- Los Angeles, California

Area code 213 corresponds to Los Angeles, California. Established in 1947, it served as the inaugural area code in the state of California. With a population of 3,748,640 residents, Los Angeles ranks as the second-largest city in the United States. 

The area code is notably affiliated with Hollywood and the entertainment industry and is emblematic of the city’s rich historical and cultural significance. Los Angeles boasts a diverse economy encompassing finance, health services, education, and technology, all contributing substantially to the city’s economic landscape. 

202 Area code- Washington,  District of Columbia  

The 202 area code represents Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. It is associated with the federal government and is popular among federal employees and government interns.

302 Area code- Delaware 

The growing popularity of the 302 area code in 2024 may be unexpected. Despite Delaware’s relatively small population of less than a million residents, an increasing number of startups are selecting Delaware as their primary location for operations each year, contributing to the heightened demand for the Delaware area code.

424 area code- Atlanta, Georgia

The 470 area code primarily serves Atlanta, Georgia, a rapidly growing business and innovation hub. Over the years, Georgia has seen a surge in startup activity, with Atlanta at the forefront of this economic evolution. The city’s expansion can be attributed to a dynamic economic landscape, business-friendly policies, and a thriving tech sector. 

Notable companies based in the 470 area code include industry giants such as the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and numerous other enterprises contributing to the region’s vibrant business environment.

303 area code- Denver, Colorado

The 303 area code is Denver, Colorado’s original area code. It’s praised as one of the most popular area codes in the US for new businesses. A recent study by WalletHub ranks Denver as the sixth-best city for starting a business, with Colorado placing 7th overall. This boom in entrepreneurship has made the 303 area code increasingly popular as more businesses started using it to signal their presence in this thriving market.

618 area code- Illinois

The 618 area code, originally established in 1947, served southern Illinois without any overlays until recently. With the growing need for telephone numbers in the region, the Illinois Commerce Commission implemented the new 730 area code as an overlay to the 618 area code on July 7, 2023. This means the 730 area code now shares the same geographic region as the 618 area code, allowing for continued availability of phone numbers in southern Illinois.

505 area code- New Mexico

The 505 Area Code is for New Mexico, located in the southwestern United States. It is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. The 505 area code was also created and established for New Mexico in October 1947.

231 area code- West Michigan

The area code 231 was established in June 1999 by the American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) and the Bell System. It operates within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and covers the western half of the Lower Peninsula, extending west from the north-south line aligned with the Mackinac Bridge. The northern part was excluded from the 231 area code, and it also includes Muskegon, commonly regarded as part of West Michigan.

870 area code- Arkansas

The 870 area code is a 10-digit virtual number for Arkansas, created on April 14, 1997. It was split from area code 501, Arkansas’s original area code from 1947. In 2024, area code 327 was added as part of an overlay complex. The 870 area code covers Arkansas’s southeastern, northeastern, and southwestern regions within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is located in the Central time zone, America/Chicago.

334 area code- Alabama

The telephone area code 334 was established by the American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) and the bell system on January 12, 1995. This area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and serves the southeastern region of Alabama. Originally, the 334 area code encompassed the southern half of Alabama. However, in 2001, the area was modified, and the southwestern portion, which includes Mobile, was designated as a separate area with the new area code 251.

747 area code- Los Angeles

The area code 747 was created in 2009 to meet the increasing demand in Los Angeles. It became popular, especially among companies in the entertainment and technology industries.

Related: how to block restricted calls

Get a popular area code from Dialaxy, a convenient solution that puts you at ease

When se­eking the ideal provide­r for area code, Dialaxy eme­rges as a frontrunner. Dialaxy’s expertise­ in delivering top-notch call manageme­nt solutions, paired with its innovative approach, guarantee­s businesses rece­ive high-quality communication services tailore­d to their unique require­ments. With Dialaxy, businesses can expe­ct:

• A quick and easy way to obtain the area code phone number.
• A variety of configurable options to meet various business demands.
• Reliable and precise voice quality ensures a successful connection.
• Reliable service.

Note: Dialaxy’s reliable service can contribute to a positive customer experience.

Are you ready to elevate your business communications and establish a strong presence in the US? Visit Dialaxy’s pricing plan today to view the options and buy your area code phone number. Take this critical step in revitalizing your worldwide communication strategy with Dialaxy.

📌Also, Watch out to Contact sales team for Customized Packages 📦

FAQs

How are area codes determined in the us?

Area codes in the United States are assigned based on the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The NANP divides the US into smaller regions, each with its own three-digit code. While there is no specific order for assigning area codes, the NANP ensures that similar codes are not placed next to each other to prevent confusion.

What is the best area code for you?

The best area code for you depends on where you’re looking to target your business and on your business goals. So, consider factors like location, industry, and the image you want to convey with your phone number.

Which area code is the most popular area code in the us?

Two area codes stand out as the most popular in the US: 212, which is associated with New York City, NY, and 310, which represents Los Angeles, CA.