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.
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 624 (Buffalo).
In service since: 01-Jan-1947
Area Code Splits
Parts of this area code’s original geographic region were later assigned new area codes through splits. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.
Split into: area code 585 (Rochester).
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 292 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 94. The median household income is $71,175, which is near the national median of $78,538. Approximately 32.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.0%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, which is higher than the national rate of 12.4%.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,458,604
- Population Density
- 292 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $71,175near U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 14.3%above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.1%near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+32.7%near U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower31.9%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
NY
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
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 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% |
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in NY with moderate to high population density, centered on Buffalo and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 716.
Other Area Codes in New York
Area codes that also serve New York, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 716 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers assigned to area code 716 are tied to where they were originally provisioned — not the caller's current location. This code serving roughly 1459k people covers Buffalo in NY, so a number originally set up there will retain the 716 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 716 is associated with Buffalo in NY. 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 716 serves the Buffalo region in NY, where growing demand for phone numbers necessitated an additional code. This area code shares its region with area code 624. Learn more in our overlay vs split guide.