Area Code 508
Massachusetts
Area code 508 serves Massachusetts, primarily Worcester, in the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. It has served the region since 16-Jul-1988.
Overlay Area Code
This area code is part of an overlay region, meaning the same geographic area is served by multiple area codes. Overlay codes were introduced to meet growing demand for phone numbers without requiring existing customers to change their numbers.
This area code shares its geographic region with: area code 774 (Worcester).
In service since: 16-Jul-1988
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 508 is approximately 2,185,799. The population density is 780 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 94. The median household income is $93,561, which is higher than the national median of $78,538. Approximately 41.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.0%. This rate is higher than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 12.4%.
History
Area code 508 was established in 1988 as a geographic area code. It shares its territory with area code area code 774.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 2,185,799
- Population Density
- 780 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $93,561above U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 9.2%below U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.2%near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+41.7%above U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower29.2%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
MA
Major Cities
- Worcester
- Brockton
- New Bedford
- Fall River
- Framingham
- Taunton
- Attleboro
- Marlborough
- Milford
- Somerset
- Webster
- South Yarmouth
- Nantucket
- Middleborough Center
- Plymouth
- Whitinsville
- Mansfield Center
- Northborough
- Cochituate
- East Falmouth
- Foxborough
- Medfield
- West Yarmouth
- Walpole
and 83 more cities
Time Zone
- Eastern Time (ET)
Current Time
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 508).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA | 625,890 | 28.6% |
| Bristol, MA | 578,416 | 26.5% |
| Plymouth, MA | 318,265 | 14.6% |
| Barnstable, MA | 232,112 | 10.6% |
| Middlesex, MA | 220,976 | 10.1% |
| Norfolk, MA | 174,289 | 8.0% |
| Dukes, MA | 21,552 | 1.0% |
| Nantucket, MA | 14,299 | 0.7% |
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in MA with moderate to high population density, centered on Worcester and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 508.
Other Area Codes in Massachusetts
Area codes that also serve Massachusetts, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 508 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers assigned to area code 508 are tied to where they were originally provisioned — not the caller's current location. This code serving roughly 2186k people covers Worcester in MA, so a number originally set up there will retain the 508 prefix even if the owner moves or uses VoIP. Mobile phones keep their original number when users relocate, and businesses often adopt local area codes to establish a regional presence.
Start by looking up the area code on this site to understand its geographic context — area code 508 is associated with Worcester in MA. For caller-specific details, use your carrier's caller ID features or check public directories. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the FTC. To file a complaint about robocalls or spoofed numbers, visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
When an area's available number pool runs low, regulators introduce an "overlay" code covering the same territory. Both codes coexist, and new numbers are assigned from whichever has availability. Area code 508 serves the Worcester region in MA, where growing demand for phone numbers necessitated an additional code. This area code shares its region with area code 774. Learn more in our overlay vs split guide.