Key Findings
- New York’s 929 is the #1 most popular area code of 2024, achieving 10.64% of all new phone number purchases.
- Pasadena, CA’s 626 followed closely behind NYC’s 929, nearly matching at 10.32% of new purchases.
- Florida houses six of the Top 20 area codes, more than any other state on the list, with Miami (786) and Orlando (689) together accounting for over 15% of new purchases.
- For the fourth year in a row, New York City is the most popular city, claiming three of the top area codes and 21.5% of all purchased phone numbers in the top 20.
- Both Pasadena and Irvine, CA outranked Los Angeles, while Pasadena climbed the ranks from 5th in 2023 to the 2nd most popular area code in 2024.
- In a surprising twist, some toll-free prefixes outperformed several major metropolitan area codes.
In 2024, a lot happened in the U.S., including the rise of AI, massive political events, weather disruptions, and honestly, way more to list. In thinking about how these things impacted us all, one interesting way to look at the data is … which area codes grew in popularity, and which ones dropped off last year?
Because if you think about it, whether it’s due to people relocating or just making a telephone number purchase, the top area codes of 2024 imply a lot about things like migration patterns, business decisions, and frankly, where more people want to be, and where more people don’t.
So with that in mind, we sought to answer the following questions:
- Which area codes grew the most in popularity?
- Which area codes lost the most popularity?
- And what events might have triggered these trends?
And after doing that digging and crunching the numbers, we learned a lot. Here are the most popular area codes of 2024, and much more.
The Top 20 Area Codes of 2024
Just where are people like you establishing themselves? The following are the most popular area codes, as associated with tens of thousands of purchased telephone numbers through NumberBarn in 2024.
20. (310) – Los Angeles, CA
Home to the entertainment industry, celebrities, warm weather and the desirable “Southern California lifestyle,” it’s no surprise to find Los Angeles making a repeat appearance on our list of top area codes. First introduced to the LA region in 1991, we have LA’s 310 area code, which is a portion of Los Angeles that’s consistently hovered around the top 25 area codes over the past five years.
What may come as a bit of a surprise (to us at least) is that the 310 area code didn’t make the list for 2023’s top twenty. However, it may have in fact replaced LA’s 323 area code on the list for 2024, as 310 ranked 15th last year but didn’t make the list at all for 2024.
Los Angeles County is the primary county serviced under 310, with Ventura County and Santa Barbara County taking up a smaller portion. (Notably, this area also ranks high in a survey of “side hustles,”1 which could also be associated with the high cost of living in Southern California, particularly LA County.)
Notable Areas Serviced: Santa Monica, Redondo Beach
19. (909) – San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino’s 909 area code has consistently achieved popularity, year after year. The 909 services 3% of Los Angeles County’s population of almost 10 million people.
The City of San Bernardino is also a big city for business, as the city serves as a logistics hub for the West Coast, accounting for 20% of all jobs in San Bernardino County. However, 909 took quite a hit this year, dropping from 4th to 19th in our area code rankings. The county experienced job losses and slow employment growth last year, with people showing more interest in leaving the city versus moving into it2.
Notable Areas Serviced: San Bernardino, Redlands, Claremont
18. (850) – Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee’s 850 area code has fluctuated a lot on our lists over the years, though we’re keeping in mind that it saw its first overlay with area code 448 back in 2021. Not to get all “mathy” on you, but we typically observe a big increase in existing area code “demand” whenever a new area code or overlay is coming to the same area.
Users seem to typically want the older area code before it’s “gone” (or harder to acquire). Demand naturally declines as phone numbers distribute more evenly among the different area codes.
In somewhat of an anomaly however, both area codes’ popularity increased dramatically last year. While the counties serviced under 850 and 448 aren’t heavily populated, they are plentiful; both area codes service Florida’s entire panhandle, for a total of 19 counties (more than any other area code on our list).
Plus, the area has an affinity for business. Crestview and Panama City are two of the top small metros for small businesses, while Pensacola & Tallahassee are two of the top medium metros for small businesses.3 (As for why 850 beat out 448 in popularity, people simply love an area’s original area code. Old habits 850-DIE-HARD.)
Notable Areas Serviced: Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City
17. (832) – Houston, TX
Area code 832 was first introduced in 1999 as Houston’s third area code. Now, Houston has five area codes all serving that same area.
832 serves Harris County, the third largest county in the U.S., mostly due to Houston’s massive population; it’s the fourth largest in the nation, and Texas’ largest. Yet two smaller cities under 832’s area code, Atascocita and The Woodlands, also saw sizeable growth in population (5th and 44th highest population growth, respectively.4)
It’s also worth noting that Houston is leading the charge in both business and startups. The Houston area has seen the 8th most new business applications, with a 68.7% growth since 2019.3
Notable Areas Serviced: Houston, Atascocita, The Woodlands
16. (813) – Tampa, FL
Area code 813 was first put into service 72 years ago to serve a consistently growing population. Today, Tampa is the third fastest growing metro for new businesses, with a respectable 84% growth since 20193. Getting honorable mentions, Town ‘n’ Country, Brandon, Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Riverview – the five most populous cities in 813’s area are all prominent “side-hustle cities”.1
It’s worth noting that in 2021, Tampa’s 813 area code made our list of top area codes, but again, we deduce this was due to a new overlay with area code 656. Yet it appears that three years later, the people have spoken; 813 reclaims the throne and proves our point that once again, old area codes hold their weight in demand, nostalgia and popularity.
Notable Areas Serviced: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater
15. (702) – Las Vegas, NV
702 was one of the nation’s original area codes, established in 1947. Once responsible for covering the entire state of Nevada, 702 now serves Clark County exclusively, home to the city that never sleeps — Las Vegas.
With Clark County ranking as the 11th most populous county, the demand for 702 phone numbers reflects the area’s undeniable influence. But it’s not just neon lights and slot machines driving 702’s popularity; Las Vegas reigns as the 27th top large metro for small businesses, making it a magnet for entrepreneurs. On top of that, smaller cities like Spring Valley, Henderson, Sunrise Manor, and North Las Vegas are all thriving hubs for side hustlers.
Notable Areas Serviced: North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City
14. (305) – Miami, FL
Another pioneer in the area code game, 305 was one of the original area codes established in 1947. Back then, it served the entire state of Florida, but today, area code 305 is synonymous with Miami and the surrounding areas that primarily cover Miami-Dade County, the nation’s 7th most populous county.
Aside from residing in the Sunshine State, Miami-Dade County truly shines when it comes to business. Ever since 2010, Miami-Dade saw the second most new business applications of any county in the U.S. This is no surprise when you consider the entrepreneurial spirit running through cities like Hialeah, the undisputed number one city for side hustlers1.
Notable Areas Serviced: Miami, Homestead, Coral Gables
13. (956) – Laredo, TX
The 956 area code may not seem like a standout when looking at the population of the cities it services, but don’t let that fool you; “the 956” is a powerhouse for business. Last year, Laredo made its unsuspecting debut on our list of top area codes, coming in hot and taking eighth for 2023. This year, Laredo made the list again, but moved slightly down the ranks to grab the spot for 13th in the nation’s top area codes.
The 956 cities of McAllen and Brownsville are both ranked as top midsize metros for new businesses, with a new business growth of 65.1% and 56.4% since 2019, respectively5. To that point, McAllen and Mission are the two most popular spots for side hustlers in the entire state. Other high-performing places in the 956-area include Pharr, Laredo, and Brownsville.
Notable Areas Serviced: Brownsville, Edinburg, McAllen
12. (213) – Los Angeles, CA
One of the original area codes, “213” is as iconic as the City of Angels itself. It’s officially capped at 4% of Los Angeles County, which is overall the most populous county in the U.S. and includes the city of Los Angeles itself.
While LA’s neighboring 323 area code experienced a spike in popularity last year after a new overlay from area code 738, only one year later, 213 took back the crown as LA’s most registered area code. As for why 213 phone numbers are on the rise, the county continues to thrive in the startup space. LA County ranks as the county with the most new business applications and Los Angeles ranks as the 10th best city for side-hustlers, with 18.9% of its massive population claiming self-employment income. (And of course, everybody loves an “OG” area code.)
Notable Areas Serviced: Beverley Hills, Inglewood, Alhambra
11. (904) – Jacksonville, FL
Activated in 1965, 904 is Jacksonville’s original area code. However, in February of last year, Jacksonville put its first ever overlay, area code 324, into service.
With the introduction of a new area code, 904’s demand continues to rise as locals claim a 904 phone number before 324 phone numbers are fully dispersed. All of that makes sense, as Jacksonville is the most populated city in Florida! Unsurprisingly, Jacksonville also ranks high in small business: it’s 12th in the nation for new businesses, in fact5.
With all the shifting of rankings for 2024, Jacksonville seems to enjoy hanging out solidly in 11th place. With the exception of 2022 where it landed in eighth, 904 has ranked 11th on our list since 2021.
Notable Areas Serviced: Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Fernandina Beach
10. (346) – Houston, TX
Welcome back to Houston! As mentioned earlier, Houston has a total of five area codes, the fifth of which (621) was only just introduced on January 23, 2025. Area code 346 was Houston’s previous addition, back in 2014 (with 832 coming before that, in 1999). Houston’s other two area codes, 281 and 713, were both created in 1996 and 1947 respectively.
As we frequently mention, when a new area code comes to town, there’s an observable uptick in demand for the previous area code. While Houston’s surge in 346 demand doesn’t come as too much of a shock, what does stand out to us is the fact that Houston’s burgeoning population growth necessitates the establishment of five area codes to cover the Houston area. (Fun fact: For perspective, the state of Oregon has four area codes to cover the entire state.)
With 346 and 832 being necessary additions, due to the booming population and small business influx, their popularity also increased dramatically in recent years — enough for 346 to move from 12th in 2023 and into the top 10 in our list for 2024! (832 also moved from #18 in 2023 to #17 for 2024.)
Notable Areas Serviced: Houston, Pasadena (TX), Pearland
9. (212) – New York, NY
By all accounts, “the 212” is still thought of as the de facto New York City area code. That’s because it was originally the first area code to cover all of New York City! Today, it services Manhattan predominantly, and has a population so large (greater than 1.6 million), it even dwarfs some smaller states.
By county, the Manhattan-area is the third largest by population in the U.S., and is in the top 10 for new business applications.5 While we note the population density of Manhattan and the nostalgic nature of the historic NYC 212, this area code actually moved down the ranks fairly significantly in 2024. In 2023, 212 held its weight ranking as the #2 top area code in the nation. But it found itself sizably dethroned this year, moving into the #9 rank for most purchased area code in 2024.
Notable Areas Serviced: Manhattan Borough
8. (469) – Dallas, TX
That’s right, it’s Dallas that tops this year’s big-Texas-city area code growth. It’s a city with lots of action across the board for U.S. population (9th), Texas population (3rd), small businesses (21st), and new business applications (7th). Popular for its mild winters and more affordable cost of living, Dallas definitely has a draw.
The specific areas that the 469 area covers are plentiful, but McKinney, Frisco, Rowlett, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and Garland are all residing towns that all saw population growth last year. Meanwhile, [deep breath], Mesquite, Plano, Grand Prairie, Garland, Rowlett, Frisco, Flower Mound, Allen, Dallas, Carrollton, Arlington, Lewisville, Richardson, McKinney and Irving were all listed among the top for cities ranking high on side hustles! Talk about making it big in Texas!
Notable Areas Serviced: Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Irving
7. (347) – New York, NY
While the 212 is considered by many to be the original NYC area code, it’s “347” that more new numbers adopted as their area code for 2024. And that makes sense, given that 212 has largely run its course, as far as new numbers and heavy population growth is concerned.
To meet demand, the 347 covers the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as a portion of Manhattan called Marble Hill. And it’s a first-timer on our list largely thanks to this massive growth; Kings County, New York County, and Queens County in particular were the top counties for new business applications last year!
Notable Areas Serviced: Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island
6. (689) – Orlando, FL
As previously mentioned, when an area begins to outgrow its original digits, they often receive new ones to help pick up the slack. For the Orlando area, that would be “689,” which was introduced in 2019, and is making waves as a first-timer all the way at #6 on our list!
While Orlando is largely renowned as a destination vacation city and home to the Magic Kingdom, Sea World, etc. the surrounding areas are definitely on the rise (Florida is typically very high on yearly migration reports, in general). Pine Hills, Poinciana, Alafaya, Kissimmee, Deltona, and Orlando itself all saw population increases in 2024, while surrounding areas ranked in the top 10 for small business as well.
Notable Areas Serviced: Orlando, Kissimmee, Alafaya, Apopka
5. (949) – Irvine, CA
Hitting the top five is impressive enough as is, but what makes Irvine’s 949 area code even more impressive of a gain is that it doesn’t share its servicing area with any other area code! But what it does serve is quite mighty in size: Orange County and part of San Diego County, the fifth and sixth most populated counties in the U.S., respectively. (949 covers Camp Pendleton to be specific, which is technically considered San Diego County and has a city-sized military population of its own.)
One interesting note from the data is that Orange County ranks 14th for new business applications, which could explain how it’s appreciably higher on our list than unranking San Diego, despite having a smaller population. Also of note are the area’s top ranking “side hustle” cities: Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Irvine and Tustin. And we’ll add that Irvine moved up the chart from #6 last year, to #5 for 2024.
Notable Areas Serviced: Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo
4. (516) – Hempstead, NY
You knew New York was exploding in popularity, and the 516 area code is one of the biggest benefactors of that growth. Making its dramatic debut and landing all the way at #4 in this year’s most popular area codes, 516 was actually activated all the way back in 1951. Wondering why the sudden rise in popularity for ahem…Hempstead, NY? You guessed it. Its overlay, 363, was activated in 2023.
Yes, once again we notice that prior area codes jump in demand when their service region is getting a new area code. So we could likely attribute its new 363 area code for influencing 516’s (random) popularity.
Additionally, because New York is a place where growth is not necessarily possible at the most populous places, we took a look towards the middle of the pack to see where the action is happening; Long Island’s Nassau County is a top 30 county in the U.S., and the fifth most populated “town” in New York state. As “America’s largest township, Hempstead Town is bigger than six states” (in their own words). It’s making a move!
Notable Areas Serviced: Baldwin, East Meadow, Elmont
3. (786) – Miami, FL
Welcome (back) to Miami! Invented in the 90s to handle the area’s lack of phone numbers, Miami’s 786 area code was a top three most popular area code last year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most happening areas in the entire country by any measure, with 2.7 million people residing in the Miami-Dade county area.
With that in mind, locals may wonder how 786 topped the list, over the original 305 area code. One thing to keep in mind is that when old area codes run out of numbers, the newer options become cheaper alternatives. And of course, we can’t fail to mention that Miami also received another new area code – 605 which activated in 2023. While 786 certainly is not the newest area code by any stretch of the imagination, it’s still handling the bulk of Miami’s growth.
Notable Areas Serviced: Miami, Homestead, Hialeah
2. (626) – Pasadena, CA
Home to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, the Tournament of Roses, historic architecture and tree-lined streets, it’s no wonder that Pasadena holds its own as one of LA County’s most desirable places to live.
Many people don’t realize just how big the surrounding areas of Los Angeles truly are, which Pasadena climbing the ranks all the way at #2 on our list goes to show! Like Irvine before it, the 626 area code is the only service area for Pasadena, servicing LA County. Given such a mighty task, it’s no shock it also ranked first for new business applications in the country. (That would definitely help explain all the new phone numbers!)
Far less surprising is the fact that the LA area is made up of side hustles; Los Angeles, Pasadena, Baldwin Park, Alhambra, West Covina, and El Monte are all ranking locations for people taking business into their own hands.
Notable Areas Serviced: Pasadena, Alhambra, El Monte
1. (929) – New York, NY
And finally, moving from #3 in 2023 into the #1 most purchased area code on this year’s rankings (and at no surprise to anyone who’s read this far) is New York, New York! To be more specific, it’s the 929 area code that this year has shown more demand than any other area code in the country. It’s an area code that was invented back in 2011 as an overlay for the 718 and 347 area codes, covering the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. And the fact that it’s still in such high demand makes New York the undeniable king of phone number activation.
Congrats to New York! We can only wonder if any other location will compete against the likes of such legendary locales as Coney Island, Central Park, Times Square and Broadway to steal the show from the New York area next year.
Notable Areas Serviced: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island
Biggest Jump in the Ranks
Beyond Area Codes: 2024’s Toll-Free Number Surge
On another note, we also found a parallel trend: toll-free numbers (also known as 1-800 numbers) have high demand alongside geographic area codes. The 844 toll-free prefix outperformed several major metropolitan area codes, including Dallas (469), Las Vegas (702), and Miami (305).
The 844 prefix led with 30.19% of toll-free registrations, showing consistent dominance with a significant number of total registrations across 2021-2024. It’s followed by 855 (there was a 260% increase in registrations from 2021 to 2023) and the memorable 888 prefix. Meanwhile, the 800 prefix has evolved into a premium, more exclusive status symbol with just 4.94% of 2024 toll-free registrations. We can likely attribute this to less availability and more recognizability as the original toll-free prefix (inaugurated in 1966).
The 35% increase in overall toll-free prefix demand over the last four years reflects strategic business positioning. Companies may also leverage non-geographic identifiers to establish national presence without regional limitations, with toll-free numbers representing 7.35% of all 2024 registrations.
Methodology / Resources
All rankings are based on NumberBarn telephone sales numbers between Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024.
- Side Hustles: https://sidehustles.com/top-side-hustling-cities/
- Moves: https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/migration-moving-report/
- New Business Applications (Cities): https://www.simplybusiness.com/resource/new-businesses-in-us-by-region/
- Population Growth: https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/these-cities-saw-largest-growth-population-2024-study
- New Business Applications (State & County):
https://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/current/index.html
