209 Area Code

The 209 area code is a telephone area code in the United States serving a large portion of California's northern Central Valley and Sierra foothills. It covers major population and agricultural centers such as Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Tracy, Turlock, and Manteca. The 209 numbering plan area includes many rural towns, statewide gateways to Yosemite National Park, and a mix of urban, suburban, and farming communities. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Understanding the 209 Area Code

Area code 209 was created in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan and has since been refined by splits and conservation measures to match population and telecommunications growth in Central California. Due to increased demand for telephone numbers, the California Public Utilities Commission approved an overlay area code 350 for the 209 region; new numbers using the 350 area code began to be assignable starting November 28, 2022. Ten-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) is the standard dialing procedure within the region. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Where Is the 209 Area Code Located? (Map & Counties)

The 209 area code map spans much of the northern San Joaquin Valley and adjacent Sierra foothills. It includes all or parts of these counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Amador, and portions of Alameda, El Dorado, Madera, Fresno, and Sacramento counties. The CPUC and NANPA rate-center maps provide detailed boundaries and rate centers for exact coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

All Major Cities and Areas in the 209 Area Code Region

Major population centers and frequently referenced cities in the 209/350 service area include:

  • Stockton (San Joaquin County)
  • Modesto (Stanislaus County)
  • Merced (Merced County)
  • Tracy (San Joaquin County)
  • Turlock (Stanislaus County)
  • Manteca (San Joaquin County)
  • Sonora, Oakdale, Patterson, and gateway communities to Yosemite National Park

These cities combine industrial, logistics, higher education, and agricultural activities that drive regional phone number demand. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

ZIP Codes (Representative) in the 209 Telephone Zone

Below are example ZIP codes for several 209 cities (representative, not exhaustive):

  • Stockton - 95202, 95203, 95204
  • Modesto - 95350, 95354, 95355
  • Merced - 95340, 95341
  • Tracy - 95304, 95376
  • Turlock - 95380
  • Manteca - 95336

Because area codes and ZIP codes are administered by different agencies, ZIP boundaries do not map exactly to area code boundaries-use local postal resources for exact mail routing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Time Zone

The 209 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). It observes Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC-8) in winter months and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7) during daylight saving time. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Dialing Guide - Phone, Number & Examples

  • Local calls (within 209/350 region): Dial 10 digits (area code + 7-digit number). Some carriers require dialing 1 + area code + number for local calls - follow your carrier's instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Long-distance within NANP (U.S., Canada, some Caribbean): Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number.
  • From outside the U.S.: Dial your international exit code, then +1 209 (or +1 350 for numbers assigned with the overlay) followed by the 7-digit local number (example: +1 209 555 0123).
  • Number format: (209) NXX-XXXX or (350) NXX-XXXX for overlay assignments. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Why the 209 Area Code Matters

209 is a crucial communications backbone for California's Central Valley - a region important for agriculture, logistics (inland ports and warehousing), manufacturing, and regional education and health systems. The overlay with 350 preserves local numbers while allowing growth; 209/350 numbers are used by local governments, hospitals, universities, farms, and businesses serving statewide and international markets. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

What area code is 209? / Where's area code 209?

What area code is 209? - 209 is the telephone area code serving California's northern Central Valley and Sierra foothills, including Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Tracy, and Turlock. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Where's area code 209? - It's located in central-northern California, covering multiple counties (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Calaveras, Amador and parts of others); refer to the CPUC/NANPA rate center maps for exact boundaries. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 209 Area Code

When was the 209 area code created?

209 was established in 1947 as part of the original NANP assignments. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Is 209 getting another area code?

Yes - the 350 overlay was assigned to the 209 region and became available for new number assignments starting November 28, 2022. Existing 209 numbers were not changed. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Do I need to dial 10 digits to call within 209?

Yes. Ten-digit dialing is the standard (area code + local number); some carriers and scenarios may require dialing 1 before the area code as well. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Which cities are in 209?

Key cities include Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Tracy, Turlock, Manteca, Sonora, Oakdale, and Patterson. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

How do I call a 209 number from outside the U.S.?

Dial your international exit code + 1 209 + the 7-digit number (or +1 350 for overlay numbers). Example: +1 209 555 0123. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

209 Area Code