Area Code 856

New Jersey

Area code 856 serves New Jersey, primarily Camden, in the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. It was created from a split of area code 609.

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

Split Area Code

This area code exists because its parent region ran low on available numbers: the parent territory was divided geographically, this code took over one part of it, and the parent kept serving the rest. Existing customers generally keep their numbers — only the code changes for the newly drawn region.

This area code was split from area code 609 (Trenton).

In service since: 12-Jun-1999

Learn more about overlay and split area codes →

Demographics & Economics

Total Population: 1,577,385
Population Density: 638 people/sq mi
above U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
Median Household Income: $88,755
near U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
Poverty Rate: 10.8%
below U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
Education Attainment: Bachelor's Degree+
34.0%
near U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)
High School or Lower
35.0%

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

Camden
Vineland
Sicklerville
Millville
Bridgeton
Glassboro
Lindenwold
Springdale
Williamstown
Cherry Hill Mall
Moorestown-Lenola
Collingswood
Westmont
Echelon
Haddonfield
Pennsville
Bellmawr
Greentree
Pine Hill
Marlton
Woodbury
Ashland
Clayton
Pitman

and 110 more cities

Area Code 856 geographic coverage map (light mode)

Demographics

The estimated population served by area code 856 is approximately 1,577,385. The population density is 638 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 95. The median household income is $88,755, which is near the national median of $80,734. Approximately 34.0% 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 10.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 12.5%.

History

Area code 856 was created from a split of area code 609. It was introduced in 1999 as part of a geographic division to provide additional numbering resources.