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.
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 201 (Jersey City).
This area code was later split into area code 732 (Toms River).
In service since: 01-Nov-1990
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,315,270
- Population Density
- 860 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 93 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $109,028above U.S. median (U.S.: $75,144)
- Poverty Rate
- 7.0%below U.S. average (U.S.: 11.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.6%above U.S. average (U.S.: 3.6%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+46.7%above U.S. average (U.S.: 33.7%)High School or Lower28.1%
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
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 860 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 93. The median household income is $109,028, which is higher than the national median of $75,144. Approximately 46.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 33.7%. This rate is higher than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 11.5%.
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
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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.