Area Code 716

New York

Area code 716 serves New York, primarily Buffalo, in the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. It has served the region since 01-Jan-1947.

Published: February 17, 2026Verified against NANPA and FCC records

Overlay Area Code

This area code shares its geographic footprint with an overlay code, so the same cities are served by two area codes. Because overlays leave existing numbers untouched, this region's relief planning favors adding codes over redrawing boundaries.

The codes serving this same region: area code 624 (Buffalo).

With prefix utilization already at 95.6%, numbering resources here are under sustained pressure — context that explains why overlays were introduced.

In service since: 01-Jan-1947

Learn more about overlay and split area codes →

Area Code Splits

One area code has been carved out of this code's original territory through a geographic split. Each split was a relief action: as demand grew, part of the region was reassigned to a new code rather than overlaying the whole territory.

Split into: area code 585 (Rochester).

Learn more about overlay and split area codes →

Demographics & Economics

Total Population: 1,458,604
Population Density: 291 people/sq mi
above U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
Median Household Income: $72,839
near U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
Poverty Rate: 14.4%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
Education Attainment: Bachelor's Degree+
33.6%
near U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)
High School or Lower
31.5%

Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates. Population figures are approximate — see Sources & Methodology for details on how area code populations are derived.

See how this area code compares to all US area codes in the income ranking and density ranking.

Time Zone

Eastern Time (ET)

NANPA Relief Status

According to the latest NANPA analysis (July 2026), this area code is not currently listed as exhausting within the next 36 months. No relief planning is in progress for this NPA.

Source: NANPA NPA Relief Planning Reports · See all relief planning statuses

Current Time

Eastern Time (ET)

Prefix Utilization

Geographic Coverage

State

Major Cities

Buffalo
Cheektowaga
Niagara Falls
West Seneca
North Tonawanda
Jamestown
Lockport
Lackawanna
Eggertsville
Kenmore
Depew
Tonawanda
Olean
Dunkirk
Lancaster
Hamburg
Fredonia
South Lockport
University at Buffalo
East Aurora
Salamanca
Harris Hill
Williamsville
Springville

and 73 more cities

Area Code 716 geographic coverage map (light mode)

History

Area code 716 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. Over time, area code area code 585 was split from 716. It shares its territory with area code area code 624.

Demographics

The estimated population served by area code 716 is approximately 1,458,604. The population density is 291 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 95. The median household income is $72,839, which is near the national median of $80,734. Approximately 33.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.7%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, which is higher than the national rate of 12.5%.

County Coverage

Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 716).

County	Population	Share
Erie, NY	955,719	65.5%
Niagara, NY	220,092	15.1%
Chautauqua, NY	132,655	9.1%
Cattaraugus, NY	96,985	6.6%
Genesee, NY	25,547	1.8%
Wyoming, NY	13,363	0.9%
Orleans, NY	8,057	0.6%
Allegany, NY	6,186	0.4%

Area Code 716 Family Tree

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Total Codes

Splits

Overlays

Max Depth

All Descendants

Code ▲	State	Type	In Service	Parent
585	NY	split	15-Nov-2001	716
624	NY	overlay	16-Nov-2023	716

Area code 716 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve NY. Over the years, it has generated 2 descendant area codes through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.