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.

Split Area Code

This area code was created by splitting an existing area code into separate geographic regions. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.

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: 635 people/sq mi
above U.S. average (U.S.: 93 people/sq mi)
Median Household Income: $86,384
above U.S. median (U.S.: $75,144)
Poverty Rate: 10.8%
near U.S. average (U.S.: 11.5%)
Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 3.6%)
Education Attainment: Bachelor's Degree+
33.1%
near U.S. average (U.S.: 33.7%)
High School or Lower
35.3%

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 Statistics dashboard.

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 635 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 93. The median household income is $86,384, which is higher than the national median of $75,144. Approximately 33.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 33.7%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, which is near the national rate of 11.5%.

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.