All About Area Code 940
Area codes are essential for telecommunications. They help identify specific geographic regions for phone calls. Without them, we’d have a hard time connecting with people across the country and around the world.
If you’re wondering about the area code 940 location, it’s in the great state of Texas! Specifically, it covers a significant portion of North Texas.
In this article, we’ll explore the area code 940 location in more detail. We’ll cover the specific geographic areas it includes, some demographic information about the region, how prefixes are assigned within the 940 area code, and other interesting facts. So, buckle up and get ready to learn all about area code 940 and the North Texas communities it serves!
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 940
Area code 940 isn’t just a random set of numbers; it defines a specific geographic region. Let’s take a closer look at the cities and counties that fall within its boundaries.
Cities within Area Code 940
Area code 940 covers a whopping 78 cities, towns, and communities in North Texas. Some of the most prominent population centers using the 940 area code include:
- Denton
- Wichita Falls
- Gainesville
- Decatur
- Flower Mound (partial)
- Sanger
- Bridgeport
These cities are spread across a fairly wide swath of North Texas, with Denton and its surrounding communities representing the southern portion of the area code’s reach, and Wichita Falls anchoring the northern end. The area in between is a mix of smaller towns and rural communities.
Counties within Area Code 940
In addition to cities, area code 940 also encompasses portions of 23 counties. These are:
- Archer County
- Baylor County
- Clay County
- Cooke County
- Denton County
- Foard County
- Hardeman County
- Jack County
- Montague County
- Wise County
- Young County
- and portions of several others.
Several of these counties, such as Clay, Cooke, and Montague, lie almost entirely within the 940 area code. However, it’s important to note that area code boundaries don’t always perfectly align with county lines. Some counties may be split between multiple area codes, particularly those closer to major metropolitan areas. This is because area codes are assigned based on the density of phone numbers needed, not necessarily on political boundaries. For example, while a large portion of Denton County uses 940, the southern part of the county might fall under a different area code due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Demographic Profile of the 940 Area Code
Area codes don’t adhere strictly to city or county lines, so it’s hard to provide precise demographic information. However, we can use data to paint a picture of the people living within the geographic areas covered by the 940 area code.
Population Statistics
The population of the areas covered by area code 940 is around 2,635,129 people. Population density varies across the region, with some areas having higher concentrations of residents than others. You’ll find more densely populated areas closer to cities like Dallas and Fort Worth, while more rural areas have lower population densities.
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in the 940 area code is 42.57 years, with a slightly younger median age of 41.39 for men and a slightly older median age of 44.09 for women. In general, the area has a fairly even distribution of male and female residents, with perhaps a slight skew toward female residents in the older age brackets.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The 940 area code is home to a diverse population, including White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Hawaiian, and Indian residents. Within the area, there are significant minority populations, and the area as a whole continues to become more diverse.
Household Statistics
Within the 940 area code, there are approximately 1,038,586 total housing units, with about 960,968 households occupied. The average household size is 2.70 people, and the average family size is 2.79 people. These figures suggest a mix of family households and individual or smaller households throughout the area.
Area Code 940: History, Creation, and Overlays
Area code 940 came into existence on February 12, 1997. It was created because the existing area code, 817, was running out of phone numbers. The growing population and increased use of cell phones and pagers meant more numbers were needed.
Initially, 940 was created as an “overlay” for area code 817. An overlay is when a new area code is assigned to the same geographic region as an existing one. This avoids the need to split the existing area, which can be disruptive for residents and businesses who have to change their numbers. Instead, new phone numbers in the region are assigned the new area code.
At the time of its creation, using an overlay was a relatively new practice, and it was controversial. It meant that even for local calls within the 817/940 region, people had to dial the area code plus the seven-digit number. This was a shift from the previous system where only long-distance calls required dialing the area code.
Currently, area code 940 does not have an overlay. This means that within the 940 area, all available phone numbers haven’t been exhausted yet. If an area code doesn’t have an overlay, it typically means that number resources are still sufficient to meet demand, and the dialing process remains simpler (seven-digit dialing for local calls) than in areas with overlays.
Prefix Assignment and Usage in Area Code 940
Area codes are divided into prefixes, which are the first three numbers that follow the area code in a phone number. These prefixes are assigned to specific carriers and geographic regions within the area code’s boundaries, enabling the phone company to route calls correctly.
As of right now, about 58.8% of the prefixes in the 940 area code have been assigned. That means that of the 800 possible prefixes (the numbers 200 through 999), 470 are actively in use. The remaining 330 prefixes are inactive, meaning they’re not currently assigned to any service provider.
Landline vs. Wireless Usage
It’s interesting to look at how these prefixes break down between traditional landlines and wireless (cell) phones. In area code 940, 351 prefixes (or 74.7%) are used for landlines, while 119 prefixes (25.3%) are dedicated to wireless services.
This split reflects the broader trend of people moving away from landlines and increasingly relying on cell phones. Years ago, the vast majority of prefixes would have been assigned to landlines. Now, as more and more people cut the cord, the demand for wireless prefixes continues to grow.
Future of Area Code 940
The good news is that area code 940 isn’t in any danger of running out of numbers anytime soon. At the current rate of prefix assignment, there’s no need for any kind of “area code relief,” which is what happens when a region needs to add a new area code, either by splitting the existing one or adding an overlay area code.
The need for area code relief is determined by factors like population growth, the increasing use of cell phones and other wireless devices, and the overall demand for new phone numbers. Because area code 940 still has a good supply of unassigned prefixes, it’s expected to remain stable for the foreseeable future.
Time Zone and Local Time in Area Code 940
If you’re dialing a number in the 940 area code, remember they’re on Central Time (GMT -06:00). That means when you’re calling from the East Coast, you’ll need to subtract an hour. Calling from the West Coast? You’re looking at a two-hour difference.
This time difference is something businesses and residents in the 940 area code have to keep in mind when scheduling meetings or making calls to other parts of the country. It impacts everything from coordinating deliveries to setting up virtual conferences.
Also, like most of the US, the 940 area observes Daylight Saving Time. So, from March to November, local time is shifted forward an hour, becoming Central Daylight Time (CDT).
Nearby Area Codes and Texas Area Code Map
Area code 940 doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s snuggled up against several other area codes in North Texas.
Adjacent Area Codes
Among the area codes that border 940 are:
- 214 (Dallas and some surrounding suburbs)
- 469 (Dallas, TX and surrounding areas)
- 682 (Fort Worth and its surrounding areas)
- 817 (Fort Worth area)
- 903 (eastern Texas)
- 972 (Dallas suburbs)
These area codes surround 940 to the east and south, reflecting the population density as you move toward the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Overview of Texas Area Codes
Texas has a diverse array of area codes reflecting its large population and geographic size. From the 214 in Dallas to the 915 in El Paso, each area code represents a specific region of the state.
The area code system in Texas has evolved over time to accommodate population growth. As certain regions became more densely populated, new area codes were introduced to prevent the exhaustion of phone numbers. This ongoing evolution ensures that Texas has enough phone numbers to meet the needs of its growing population.
Final Thoughts
Area code 940 serves a large portion of North Texas, including cities like Denton, Wichita Falls, and Gainesville. With a population of over 600,000, the 940 area code has been an integral part of the telecommunications landscape in this region since its creation in 1997. The prefixes within the 940 area code are carefully assigned to ensure efficient phone number allocation.
Area code 940 is more than just a set of digits; it’s a local identifier, a symbol of the communities it serves, and a crucial element of the communication infrastructure connecting North Texas. It’s a reminder of the growth and development of this vibrant region.
Currently, there’s no need to worry about a new area code overlay or split in the 940 region. The North American Numbering Plan Administration predicts that 940 will meet the area’s needs for the foreseeable future. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how area code usage adapts to innovations like VoIP and mobile communication, but for now, 940 remains a stable and recognizable part of North Texas.