Area codes are those three-digit numbers you dial before a phone number – they tell the phone network where in the country (or even the world!) you’re trying to reach. They’re essential for routing calls to the right geographic location. So, where exactly is the 248 area code in Michigan?
This article will pinpoint the cities and counties covered by the 248 area code, give you a bit of its history, and touch on other related area codes in the region. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to find Michigan’s 248 area code!
Where does the 248 area code cover?
The 248 area code is located in southeastern Michigan. Here’s a breakdown of the area it covers.
Primary counties served
The 248 area code primarily serves Oakland County, Michigan. In fact, most of Oakland County is covered by the 248 area code. There may be a few tiny slivers of neighboring counties that also use the 248 area code, but Oakland County is the heart of it.
Key cities and communities
Many of Oakland County’s biggest cities and towns are within the 248 area code. Here are a few of the larger communities:
- Auburn Hills
- Bloomfield Hills
- Farmington Hills
- Novi
- Rochester Hills
- Southfield
- Troy
- West Bloomfield Township
Several smaller communities are also located within the 248 area code, including Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin, and Huntington Woods.
Notable landmarks and institutions
Oakland University, a large public university in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, is located within the 248 area code. Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, a large shopping mall in Auburn Hills, also uses the 248 area code.
This area is home to several automotive companies and corporate headquarters.
History of the 248 area code
Area code 248 didn’t always exist. It was created on May 10, 1997. Before that, the area it covers used the 313 area code.
313 was one of the original area codes created in 1947, and it covered the entire southeastern portion of Michigan, including Detroit and all of its suburbs. As the population grew, and more and more people started using phones, the phone companies started running out of numbers.
To fix this, they split the 313 area code, creating the 248 area code to cover the northern and western suburbs of Detroit. This allowed for more phone numbers in both regions. The change probably caused some confusion at first, as people adjusted to the new area code. Businesses had to update their contact information. But ultimately, the split was necessary to accommodate the growing demand for phone service in the Detroit metro area.
Area code overlays and neighboring area codes
As the population in and around Oakland County grew, the number of available phone numbers dwindled. To meet demand, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) implemented an “overlay” area code, which is an additional area code serving the same geographic region.
This is different from a “split,” in which an area is divided into two or more distinct regions, each with its own area code.
The 947 overlay
In 2010, the 947 area code was introduced as an overlay to the 248 area code. What this means for you is that if you’re opening a new phone line in the 248 region, you may be assigned a phone number with a 947 area code. It also means that everyone in the 248/947 region must dial all 10 digits (area code + phone number) when making a call.
Neighboring area codes
The 248 and 947 area codes share borders with the following area codes:
- 313: Detroit and some nearby communities in Wayne County
- 586: Macomb County, including cities like Warren, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township
- 810: The “Thumb” region, including Flint, Port Huron, and surrounding areas
- 734: Ann Arbor, Monroe, and other parts of southeastern Michigan
To Conclude
The 248 area code is located in southeastern Michigan, primarily covering all of Oakland County. So, if you’re calling someone in cities like Troy, Farmington Hills, or Rochester Hills, you’ll likely be dialing the 248 area code first.
The 248 area code came into being because of the growing population in the Detroit metropolitan area. It was originally carved out of the 313 area code back in the 1990s. As the population continued to grow, the 947 area code was added as an overlay to ensure enough phone numbers for everyone.
In today’s world of smartphones and instant communication, understanding area codes might seem less crucial. However, as populations increase and technology advances, area codes continue to be essential for organizing and managing our telecommunications. Knowing the area code helps you understand where a call is coming from and how phone numbers are distributed across the country.