Where Is Area Code 916?
Area code 916 primarily serves the north-central region of California. It is most closely associated with the state capital, Sacramento, and the surrounding communities. The California Public Utilities Commission (area code guidelines) oversees the regulation of this area code’s use, including assignment and administration. Residents and businesses utilizing 916 will find a mix of urban, suburban, and rural municipalities.
- Major Cities
- Sacramento (Home to (Sacramento City Hall, 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814))
- Citrus Heights
- Elk Grove
- Folsom
- Rancho Cordova
- Surrounding Counties
- Sacramento County
- Placer County
- El Dorado County
- Yolo County (Headquartered at (Yolo County Administration Center, 625 Court Street, Woodland, CA 95695))
Many government services, including the Sacramento County Clerk’s Office, are accessible to all residents within the area code’s coverage. The Sacramento County Clerk’s Office can be found at (700 H Street, Room 215, Sacramento, CA 95814).
What Time Zone Is 916 Area Code in the USA?
Area code 916 lies within the Pacific Time Zone (PT), following the same schedule as other West Coast regions of the United States. This means that during Daylight Saving Time, the region switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), typically moving clocks forward by one hour between March and November. The state observes these protocols statewide to ensure consistency and coordinated timing for government operations and public services.
History of the 916 Area Code
Originally established in 1947 by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), area code 916 was among California’s earliest telephone area codes. Over the decades, changes were introduced to accommodate population growth and surging demand for phone services:
- 1947: The area code 916 was assigned to a large portion of north-central California, which included what is currently known as the Greater Sacramento region.
- 1959: A shift occurred, and some regions were reassigned to other area codes so that 916 could retain a focus on the Sacramento region.
- 1997: An area code split resulted in the creation of the 530 area code, separating rural communities from the more populated corridor.
- 2018: An overlay of area code 279 was introduced to supplement existing 916 numbers. This overlay made it necessary for the region to adopt mandatory ten-digit dialing.
Further details on the process behind area code splits and overlays can be found at the Federal Communications Commission’s (numbering resources) webpage. These regulatory measures ensure a stable and equitable system for distributing phone numbers within the region.
How Many People Use the 916 Area Code?
The 916 area code now serves more than 1.5 million individuals and businesses. Multiple legislative districts and various municipal jurisdictions fall under the umbrella of 916, contributing to a robust mix of economic and cultural activities. The California Department of Technology (located at (1325 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814)), which oversees statewide telecommunications and digital infrastructure, works closely with both private carriers and local authorities to ensure reliable coverage. Factors that influence the popularity and usage of 916 include:
- Sacramento’s role as the state capital, bringing numerous government agencies and offices into the region.
- Rapid population growth in suburban towns around the Sacramento metropolitan area.
- Continued expansion of business and industry in Elk Grove, Folsom, and surrounding cities.
Is the 916 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 916 is not a toll-free number. It is a standard geographic area code that applies regular call charges or plan minutes, depending on one’s carrier and calling plan. Unlike toll-free codes (such as 800 or 888), calls to or from 916 can incur long-distance or roaming fees if a caller or recipient is located outside the local calling area. Users can verify call rates through their respective service providers or consult the California Public Utilities Commission’s (local area code administration) page for official guidelines.
Local calls within the area typically only require ten-digit dialing if a new overlay is in place, but long-distance charges can still apply for callers outside the region. Individuals or businesses seeking toll-free arrangements generally utilize separate toll-free codes and cannot use 916 as a substitute.