Area Code 908
New Jersey
Area code 908 serves New Jersey, primarily Elizabeth, in the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. It was created from a split of area code 201.
Published: Verified 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 201 (Jersey City).
Its original territory was later further divided: area code 732 (Toms River).
In service since: 01-Nov-1990
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,315,270
- Population Density
- 866 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $111,549above U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
- Poverty Rate
- 7.2%below U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.6%near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+47.1%above U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)High School or Lower27.7%
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
Prefix Utilization
Geographic Coverage
State
NJ
Major Cities
- Elizabeth
- Union City
- Plainfield
- Linden
- Westfield
- South Plainfield
- North Plainfield
- Summit
- Roselle
- Hillsborough
- Phillipsburg
- Bradley Gardens
- Roselle Park
- New Providence
- Somerville
- Martinsville
- Manville
- The Hills
- Blackwells Mills
- Hackettstown
- Kenilworth
- Raritan
- Basking Ridge
- Bernardsville
and 94 more cities
History
Area code 908 was created from a split of area code 201. It was introduced in 1990 as part of a geographic division to provide additional numbering resources.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 908 is approximately 1,315,270. The population density is 866 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 95. The median household income is $111,549, which is higher than the national median of $80,734. Approximately 47.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.7%. This rate is higher than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, which is lower 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 908).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Union, NJ | 510,824 | 38.8% |
| Somerset, NJ | 291,774 | 22.2% |
| Hunterdon, NJ | 166,118 | 12.6% |
| Warren, NJ | 136,923 | 10.4% |
| Morris, NJ | 105,016 | 8.0% |
| Middlesex, NJ | 86,308 | 6.6% |
| Sussex, NJ | 18,307 | 1.4% |
Area Code 908 Family Tree
Hover over nodes to see details. Click to navigate to individual area code pages. Use scroll to zoom, drag to pan.
Area code 908 was originally assigned in 01-Nov-1990 to serve NJ. Over the years, it has generated 2 descendant area codes through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in NJ with moderate to high population density, centered on Elizabeth and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 908.
Other Area Codes in New Jersey
Area codes that also serve New Jersey, linked for easy comparison.