The Most Popular Area Code, Ranked

Choose the area code you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:29
Area codes often carry with them more than just a set of digits; they symbolize particular regions and, by extension, distinct cultures, businesses, and lifestyles. Users might find themselves curious about which area codes are considered the most significant or have the greatest buzz around them. This curiosity is catered to through a ranking system driven by user participation that helps clarify these standings. By casting a vote for an area code, users contribute to a dynamic, crowd-sourced ranking that reflects current trends and regional popularity. This process not only fuels a comprehensive ranking but also engages communities, encouraging a form of interaction that taps into local pride and competitive spirit. Every vote helps paint a clearer picture of notable area codes, benefiting anyone looking for insights into influential regions.

What Is the Most Popular Area Code?

  1. 1
    107
    votes

    212

    New York City, NY
    The area code 212 is one of the most well-known and prestigious area codes in the United States. It has a rich history and is associated with the city of New York, particularly Manhattan. The 212 area code was historically the original area code for all of New York City when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was established in 1947. It served as a status symbol and a mark of distinction, representing the iconic neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural institutions in Manhattan.
    • Location: New York City (Manhattan)
    • Status: Active
    • History: Original area code for New York City
    • Established: 1947
    • Coverage: Manhattan island
  2. 2
    41
    votes

    213

    Los Angeles, CA
    The area code '213' is a well-known and widely used area code in the United States, specifically in the state of California. It serves the city of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. It is considered to be one of the most popular area codes in the country.
    • Location: Los Angeles, California
    • State: California
    • Country: United States
    • Population: Approximately 4 million
    • Established: January 1, 1947
  3. 3
    32
    votes

    305

    Miami, FL
    The area code 305 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the southeastern part of the state of Florida, including Miami and the Florida Keys. It is one of the most popular area codes in Florida.
    • Geographic Region: Southeastern Florida
    • Major Cities: Miami, Miami Beach, Key West
    • State: Florida
    • Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone
    • In Service Since: January 1, 1947
  4. 4
    21
    votes

    312

    Chicago, IL
    The area code 312 is a telephone area code that covers the downtown area of Chicago, Illinois, and some surrounding areas. It is one of the most popular and iconic area codes in the United States.
    • Location: Chicago, Illinois
    • Coverage: Downtown Chicago and some surrounding areas
    • Created: 1947
    • Number of digits: 10
    • Time zone: Central Time Zone
  5. 5
    16
    votes

    404

    Atlanta, GA
    The "404" area code is a popular North American telephone area code that covers the Atlanta metropolitan area in the state of Georgia, United States. It is known for being one of the original area codes established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan.
    • Location: Atlanta metropolitan area, Georgia, United States
    • Original Establishment: 1947
    • Type: Geographic
    • Coverage: Atlanta city and surrounding suburbs
    • Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone
  6. 6
    12
    votes

    415

    San Francisco, CA
    415 is the area code for San Francisco, California, USA. It is one of the most recognizable and well-known area codes in the country, associated with the iconic city and its vibrant culture.
    • Location: San Francisco, California
    • State: California
    • Country: United States
    • Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone
    • Established: 1947
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    617

    Boston, MA
    The area code 617 is primarily used in the Greater Boston area in Massachusetts, United States. It covers cities such as Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy.
    • Number of cities covered: Over 50 cities and towns
    • Population coverage: Approximately 2.5 million people
    • Establishment: Introduced in 1947
    • Geographical coverage: Eastern Massachusetts
    • Overlay area codes: 857
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    713

    Houston, TX
    The 713 area code is a telephone area code in the state of Texas, primarily serving the city of Houston and its surrounding areas. It is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
    • State: Texas
    • City: Houston
    • Region: Southeast Texas
    • Coverage Area: Harris, Fort Bend, Waller, Austin, Montgomery, Chambers, and Liberty counties
    • Overlay Area Codes: None
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    786

    Miami, FL
    The area code '786' is a popular telephone area code in the United States, specifically in the state of Florida. It covers the Miami metropolitan area, including Miami-Dade County.
    • Numbering Plan Area (NPA): 786
    • State: Florida
    • Location: Miami metropolitan area, Miami-Dade County
    • Introduced: 1998
    • Combined with: 305 area code
  10. 10
    14
    votes

    818

    Los Angeles, CA
    The 818 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, United States. It is one of the most popular and well-known area codes in Southern California.
    • Location: San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California
    • Popularity: High
    • Year Introduced: 1984
    • Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone
    • Coverage: Covers cities like Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, and more

Missing your favorite area code?

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Ranking factors for popular area code

  1. Population
    A densely populated area will typically have a higher number of people using that area code, making it more popular.
  2. Number of businesses and organizations
    Areas with a high number of businesses, organizations, and institutions often have higher call volumes, resulting in a more popular area code.
  3. Geographic size
    Larger geographic regions may encompass multiple area codes, and areas with larger populations and numerous business establishments would be more popular.
  4. Frequency of calls
    The popularity of an area code could be determined by how often people dial the area code or receive calls from that area code.
  5. Notoriety of the area
    Some area codes could be popular due to their association with well-known cities, regions, or landmarks.
  6. Historical significance
    Some area codes are more popular because they have a longer history of use or are associated with historical events.
  7. Economic importance
    Area codes that are within economically significant regions may be considered more popular due to the higher number of calls related to business interactions.
  8. Cultural relevance
    Area codes associated with popular culture, such as famous television shows, movies, or songs, can also increase their popularity.
  9. Memorability of the area code
    Some area codes may be more popular simply because they are easily recognizable or memorable.
  10. Changes in area code distribution
    Population shifts and changes in area code assignments can also influence the popularity of an area code over time.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular area code. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Code is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2864 views
  • 258 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Code once every 24 hours. The rank of each Code is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular area code

Background Information: What is the Most Popular Area Code? Area codes are the three-digit numbers that precede a phone number and indicate the geographic region in which the phone number is registered. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is a telephone numbering plan that includes 25 countries in North America, including the United States, Canada, and some Caribbean countries. In the United States, there are over 300 area codes currently in use. However, some area codes have become more popular than others over time, depending on various factors such as population growth and changing demographics. Determining the most popular area code can be difficult, as it depends on the criteria used to measure popularity. Some people might consider the area code with the highest number of registered phone numbers to be the most popular, while others might look at the area code with the highest number of Google searches or social media mentions. Regardless of how you measure popularity, one thing is clear: area codes are an important part of our daily lives, connecting us to our friends, family, and colleagues across the country. So, which area code will come out on top as the most popular? Let's find out!

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