In the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), area codes are essential to making the telephone system work. They help route calls efficiently to the right destination.
Area code 478 is a geographic identifier that serves a large portion of central Georgia. You’ll find it in major cities like Macon, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville.
This article will give you a complete overview of area code 478. We’ll cover its location, a little bit of its history, the demographics of the region it serves, and a look at the telecommunications infrastructure in place.
Location and Geographic Coverage of Area Code 478
Area code 478 is located in central Georgia. If you get a call from this area code, the caller is likely somewhere near Macon, Warner Robins, or Milledgeville.
This part of Georgia is mostly rural, although there are some pockets of urban development.
Counties Served
Area code 478 serves all or part of 26 counties. Here are some of the more populous counties within the 478 area code:
- Bibb County (population around 155,000)
- Houston County (population around 165,000)
- Baldwin County (population around 45,000)
Cities Served
Area code 478 includes 62 cities and towns. Macon and Warner Robins are the largest cities in the region. Macon is a hub for culture and commerce, while Warner Robins is home to Robins Air Force Base, which is a major employer in the area.
The Story Behind Area Code 478
Area code 478 came into being on August 1, 2000. It was the 281st area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and the sixth in Georgia.
So, why did it happen?
Basically, area code 912, which served a huge swath of Georgia, was running out of available phone numbers. All those new cell phones and fax machines created so much demand that a new area code became necessary to relieve the pressure.
When it was first introduced, area code 478 covered a broad section of central Georgia, including cities like Macon, Warner Robins, and Dublin. The NANPA assigned mnemonics to the area code, such as GPT and GPU, to help people remember it.
Time Zone and Daylight Saving Time
The 478 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (America/New_York), which means it observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months. The GMT offset during this time is GMT -05:00.
Like most of the United States, the 478 area code also observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). During the summer, the area switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), and the GMT offset changes to GMT -04:00.
Demographic Information for Area Code 478
Want to know more about the people who live in the 478 area code? Here’s a snapshot of the demographic makeup of this region, according to the 2020 U.S. Census:
- Total Population: 767,883
Population by Race
- White: 405,195
- Black or African American: 298,207
- Hispanic or Latino: 2,078
- Asian: 11,350
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 362
- American Indian and Alaska Native: 2,078
Population by Gender
- Male: 374,268
- Female: 393,615
Age Demographics
- Median Age: 42.08 years
- Median Age (Male): 40.81 years
- Median Age (Female): 43.58 years
Housing Units
- Total Housing Units: 336,236
- Total Households: 295,495
- Average Household Size: 2.48
- Average Family Size: 3.24
So, there you have it – a glimpse into the lives of the people who call the 478 area code home!
Telecommunications infrastructure in area code 478
Let’s take a look at how phone numbers are assigned and used in the 478 area code.
Prefix assignment and usage
In the 478 area code, about 49% of the available prefixes have been assigned. A prefix is the first three numbers after the area code, and when a prefix is “assigned,” it means that phone numbers with that prefix have been given to a telecommunications provider to distribute to its customers.
The prefix assignment rate is influenced by population density, business activity, and the number of competing phone companies in the area. There are currently 389 active prefixes in use.
Landline vs. wireless usage
The 478 area code still has a relatively high percentage of landlines in use. Around 70% of the prefixes are used for landlines, while 30% are used for wireless or cell phone service. While landline use is declining across the country, it’s still a significant factor in central Georgia.
However, wireless adoption is growing, as it is everywhere else. The convenience and mobility of cell phones continue to draw customers away from traditional landline service.
Major telephone carriers
The major landline carriers in the 478 area code are Bellsouth (now AT&T), with 17% of the market share, and Windstream, with 6%. The major wireless carriers are Verizon (10%) and Sprint (5%).
What area codes are nearby?
If you’re wondering which area codes surround 478, here’s a quick list: 404, 706, 229, and 912.
Area code 478 doesn’t have what’s called an “overlay,” meaning another area code doesn’t share the same geographic space. Also, there aren’t any current plans to change this. That means the 478 area code should continue to have enough phone numbers to go around for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What city is area code 478 for?
While area code 478 isn’t for a specific city, it primarily serves the central part of Georgia, including the city of Macon. It also covers a large surrounding area, encompassing multiple counties and smaller towns within that region of the state. Think of it as a regional area code, rather than one tied to a single metropolitan area.
What area code is 478 470?
Area code 470 is actually a separate area code that overlays the same geographic region as area codes 404, 678, and 770. These area codes cover metropolitan Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs. So, 478 and 470 are not related geographically; they cover distinct parts of Georgia. It’s easy to see how the similar numbers could cause confusion, though!
What time is it in area code 478?
Since area code 478 covers central Georgia, it operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This means it observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months (UTC-5) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer months (UTC-4). If you’re trying to reach someone in the 478 area code, be sure to factor in the Eastern Time Zone to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
Wrapping Up
Area code 478 covers a broad swath of central Georgia, including cities like Macon and Warner Robins. It came into being as a way to relieve the burden on the older area code 912.
The 478 area code reflects the region’s demographics and the way people in central Georgia communicate with each other and the wider world.
Understanding area codes gives insight into a region’s growth, development, and communication infrastructure. So, the next time you see a phone number starting with 478, you’ll know it’s calling from the heart of Georgia.