Area codes are a key part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANPA). They help route phone calls by identifying specific geographic regions. Think of them as digital maps for your phone.
One of those codes, 714, is a major identifier for a large piece of California. Specifically, area code 714 serves most of Orange County, as well as a small portion of Los Angeles County.
This article will cover everything you need to know about area code 714, including the cities and communities it covers, some demographic facts about the region, a little bit of its history, and its current status. If you’re wondering about the location indicated by zip code 714, you’ve come to the right place.
Geographic coverage of area code 714
Area code 714 is a Southern California telephone area code that covers a large portion of Orange County, as well as a small section of Los Angeles County.
Primary coverage area
The heart of the 714 area code is Orange County. Most of Orange County lies within the 714 area code, including large cities like:
- Anaheim
- Santa Ana
- Huntington Beach
The 714 area code also extends into Los Angeles County, specifically including:
- La Mirada
- Cerritos
- Hawaiian Gardens
- Lakewood
Cities served by area code 714
In total, 31 cities are served by the 714 area code. These cities contribute significantly to Southern California’s economy and culture. Some of the better-known cities served by the 714 area code include:
- Anaheim
- Buena Park
- Costa Mesa
- Cypress
- Fountain Valley
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Huntington Beach
- La Habra
- La Palma
- Los Alamitos
- Orange
- Placentia
- Santa Ana
- Seal Beach
- Stanton
- Tustin
- Villa Park
- Westminster
- Yorba Linda
County breakdown
Area code 714 serves parts of two counties: Orange County and Los Angeles County. These are two of the most populous and economically vital counties in California.
The History of Area Code 714
Area codes weren’t always necessary. But as the population grew, so did the demand for phone numbers. In 1951, the phone company split area code 213 and created area code 714.
But even that wasn’t enough. As more people moved to the region and as businesses began to rely on fax machines, dial-up internet, and multiple phone lines, the phone companies risked running out of numbers again. Their solution was an “overlay.” An overlay is a new area code that covers the same geographic region as the old one. This allows the phone company to assign more numbers to the same area.
In 1999, area code 657 was introduced as an overlay for area code 714. If you live in this region, you may have either a 714 or a 657 area code.
Demographics of Area Code 714
Area code 714 isn’t just a set of digits; it represents a real community of people. Let’s take a closer look at the demographics of the area to get a better understanding of who lives there.
Population Overview
The 714 area code serves a large population of 13,200,998 individuals. That’s a significant number of people! This area is a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, leading to varying population densities throughout the region.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
The area code 714 is home to a diverse population, with the following breakdown:
- White: 4,642,684
- Black: 848,206
- Hispanic: 201,786
- Asian: 2,206,797
- Hawaiian: 33,557
- Indian: 201,786
What does this mean in terms of percentages? Here’s a rough estimate:
- White: Approximately 35%
- Black: Approximately 6%
- Hispanic: Approximately 1.5%
- Asian: Approximately 17%
- Hawaiian: Approximately 0.25%
- Indian: Approximately 1.5%
These numbers highlight the rich diversity within the 714 area code, showcasing a community made up of people from many different backgrounds.
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in the 714 area code is 38.5 years. When we break it down by gender, the median age for males is 37.0 years, while the median age for females is 39.5 years. These figures suggest a relatively mature population, with a slightly older median age for women than for men.
In terms of gender distribution, there are 6,469,965 males and 6,731,033 females in the area. This indicates a slightly higher number of females compared to males, which is a common trend in many populations.
Household Information
The area code 714 has 4,721,766 housing units, with 4,494,733 of those being occupied households. The difference between these numbers represents vacant housing units, which can be due to various reasons such as seasonal vacancies or homes being temporarily unoccupied.
The average household size in the area is 2.88 people, while the average family size is 3.42 people. This suggests that while many households consist of families, there are also a significant number of single-person households or households with unrelated individuals living together. The larger average family size indicates that families in the area tend to have more members compared to the overall household size.
Time zone and numbering plan of area code 714
If you’re trying to reach someone in the 714 zip code area, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Pacific Time Zone
Area code 714 operates in the Pacific Time Zone, which is GMT -08:00. During the summer months, Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) kicks in, and clocks are set forward an hour.
Numbering plan details
Area code 714 has a single overlay: area code 657. What does that mean for you? It means that in this area, you have to dial the area code along with the seven-digit phone number every time you make a call, even if you’re calling someone with the same area code.
Because of the increasing demand for phone numbers, it’s always possible that more area codes could be added to the region. That could happen if the existing area codes run out of available numbers.
Prefix assignment and usage in Area Code 714
Area code 714 is subdivided into a series of prefixes that determine the specific exchange to which a phone number is assigned. In other words, the prefix is the first three digits after the area code.
Active prefixes
There are 750 active prefixes within Area Code 714. These prefixes are essential for routing calls to the correct local exchange.
Landline vs. wireless usage
Of the 750 active prefixes, 461 prefixes (61.5%) are assigned to landlines. While wireless communication is on the rise, landlines continue to be relevant for many businesses and homes.
Wireless prefixes account for 288 prefixes (38.4%) in Area Code 714, reflecting the increasing prevalence of mobile communication in today’s world. People often use their cell phones over landlines because of their portability.
There’s also a single prefix (0.13%) with an unknown type reservation. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as incomplete data, a newly assigned prefix that hasn’t been fully categorized, or a prefix held in reserve for future use.
Inactive prefixes
Currently, 50 prefixes (6.3%) within Area Code 714 remain inactive. Prefixes can be inactive for several reasons, including conservation for future growth, a service provider going out of business, or a shift in population density.
Area code longevity
Unlike some area codes that are in danger of running out of available numbers, Area Code 714 is not currently facing that issue. Measures are in place to ensure that there are sufficient numbering resources to meet the needs of the community.
The Bottom Line
Area code 714 serves a diverse and densely populated region of Southern California, including much of Orange County. From its origins as one of California’s original area codes, 714 has connected millions of residents and businesses, reflecting the area’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
In the ever-evolving world of telecommunications, area codes play a crucial, if often unnoticed, role. They are the backbone of our communication infrastructure, enabling us to connect with each other across vast distances. In California, with its booming population and thriving business environment, area codes are particularly vital. Area code 714 is a key piece of this landscape.
As communication technologies continue to advance, area codes will likely evolve to meet the changing needs of society. However, area code 714 has shown remarkable stability, and its continued relevance is a testament to the enduring nature of the communities it serves. From Disneyland to bustling city centers, 714 remains a vital link for Southern California.