Area codes might seem like a small detail, but they’re vital in making sure your phone calls get to the right place. They’re the key to connecting phone calls across different regions.
So, what about the area code 910? This area code serves southeastern North Carolina, including major cities like Fayetteville, Wilmington, and Jacksonville. If you’re calling someone in that region, you’ll need to dial 910 first.
This article offers a complete look at the area code for 910, covering its history, the demographics of the region, and how it’s used today. Whether you’re planning a trip, contacting family, or doing business in southeastern North Carolina, this guide will give you the information you need.
Where is area code 910?
Area code 910 is in the southeastern part of North Carolina. The 910 area code covers 97 cities and 19 counties.
Some of the major cities within the 910 area code are:
- Fayetteville
- Wilmington
- Jacksonville
Key counties within the 910 area code include Cumberland and Onslow counties.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 data, Cumberland County has a population of 324,724, and Onslow County has a population of 204,576.
The history of area code 910
Area code 910 came into service on November 14, 1993. It was the 146th area code ever introduced.
It was created because the 919 area code was running out of available phone numbers. The 919 area code used to cover a large portion of eastern North Carolina, and the growing population and increasing use of cell phones meant that the existing number pool wasn’t enough.
In 1997, the 910 area code was split again, which meant that some people had to change their phone numbers. More recently, on October 7, 2022, area code 472 was introduced as an overlay to the 910 area. This means that new phone numbers in the 910 area code region may be assigned the 472 area code.
Time Zone and Local Time
If you’re calling a number with the 910 area code, keep in mind that you’re calling someone in the Eastern Time Zone. That specific time zone is often referred to as America/New_York.
Also, remember that the area code 910 observes daylight saving time during the summer. So, if you’re calling from outside the Eastern Time Zone, be sure to account for the time difference, which may vary depending on the time of year.
Area Code 472: The Overlay
An overlay area code covers the same geographic area as an existing one. The point of an overlay is to create more phone numbers. To make sure the phone system can tell the difference between the area codes, everyone in both area codes has to dial ten digits (area code + phone number) for all calls.
Area code 472 is an overlay for the 910 area. It was introduced on October 7, 2022, to address the growing need for more phone numbers in the region. If you live in the 910 area, this means you now must dial ten digits for every phone call, even if you’re calling someone across the street.
Who lives in area code 910?
Area code 910 isn’t just a set of numbers; it represents a community of people. Here’s a snapshot of what that community looks like, based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 data.
Population statistics
- Total population: 1,884,288
- Male population: 927,565
- Female population: 956,723
- Median age: 41.68
Racial and ethnic composition
Area code 910 is home to a diverse mix of people. Here’s a breakdown of the population by race and ethnicity:
- White population: 1,148,247
- Black population: 382,871
- Hispanic population: 71,405
- Other ethnicities: A mix of Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations also call 910 home.
Household data
Here’s a look at the households within the 910 area code:
- Total housing units: 864,683
- Total households: 740,900
- Average household size: 2.45
- Average family size: 3.02
As you can see, area code 910 is home to a large and diverse population spread across a variety of household types.
Prefix Assignment and Usage
Area code 910 is getting pretty full. Here’s a breakdown of how the prefixes are assigned and used.
Prefix Assignment
As of right now, 95.8% of the prefixes in the 910 area code have already been assigned. That means that 766 prefixes are currently in use.
Usage Type
Of those active prefixes:
- 521 prefixes (68.0%) are used for landlines.
- 241 prefixes (31.5%) are used for wireless devices.
- The remaining prefixes are either unknown type reservations or currently inactive.
Major Telephone Carriers
Several major carriers are operating in the 910 area code.
Landline Carriers
Some of the major landline carriers include:
- CenturyLink
- BellSouth (now part of AT&T)
- (And other regional providers)
(Usage percentages vary and would require real-time data to accurately report.)
Wireless Carriers
Major wireless carriers operating in the 910 area include:
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- (And other national and regional providers)
(Again, usage percentages vary and would require real-time data to accurately report.)
What area codes are nearby?
If you’re getting a call from North Carolina and it’s not 910, here are a few area codes it might be:
- 252. This area code borders 910 to the northeast and covers much of the Outer Banks region.
- 919. To the north, you’ll find area code 919, which includes the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas.
- 336. Northwest of 910 is area code 336, covering the Piedmont Triad region, including Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
- 843. Head south across the state line into South Carolina, and you might see area code 843, which serves the Myrtle Beach area.
Summary
Area code 910 serves southeastern North Carolina, including cities like Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville. Established in 1993, it originally encompassed a much larger area before being split to create new area codes as the population grew and the demand for phone numbers increased.
Understanding area codes is more important than ever in our interconnected world. Whether you’re a resident, a business owner, or simply trying to connect with someone in the 910 area, knowing the history and location of an area code helps ensure effective communication.
As technology evolves and populations shift, area codes will continue to adapt. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) plays a crucial role in managing these changes, potentially introducing new area codes or overlays to meet the ongoing demand for phone numbers in regions like southeastern North Carolina.