Area Code 916
California
Area code 916 serves California, primarily Sacramento, in the Pacific Time (PT) time zone. It has served the region since 01-Jan-1947.
Published: Verified against NANPA and FCC records
Overlay Area Code
This area code shares its geographic footprint with an overlay code, so the same cities are served by two area codes. Because overlays leave existing numbers untouched, this region's relief planning favors adding codes over redrawing boundaries.
The codes serving this same region: area code 279 (Sacramento).
With prefix utilization already at 98.1%, numbering resources here are under sustained pressure — context that explains why overlays were introduced.
In service since: 01-Jan-1947
Area Code Splits
One area code has been carved out of this code's original territory through a geographic split. Each split was a relief action: as demand grew, part of the region was reassigned to a new code rather than overlaying the whole territory.
Split into: area code 530 (Chico).
Demographics & Economics
Demographic Data Unavailable for Area Code 916
County-level demographic data is not available for this area code because NPA boundary polygons are not publicly distributed by NANPA. We use geographic boundary data from the Colorado Open Data Portal to map area codes to counties, which currently covers 194 of 376 geographic area codes.
Demographic statistics (population, income, education, poverty) require county-level aggregations from Census ACS data. Without a county mapping, these aggregations cannot be computed. We are actively seeking additional data sources to improve coverage.
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates where county boundary data is available.See Sources for details.
Time Zone
- Pacific Time (PT)
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
CA
Major Cities
- Sacramento
- Elk Grove
- Roseville
- Arden-Arcade
- Citrus Heights
- Folsom
- Rancho Cordova
- Carmichael
- Rocklin
- West Sacramento
- Lincoln
- El Dorado Hills
- Florin
- Antelope
- North Highlands
- Vineyard
- Foothill Farms
- Orangevale
- Fair Oaks
- Rosemont
- Granite Bay
- Rio Linda
- Parkway
- Lemon Hill
and 21 more cities
Demographics
Detailed demographic and economic data is not yet available for area code 916.
History
Area code 916 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. It shares its territory with area code area code 279.
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 916).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento, CA | 1,597,344 | 75.1% |
| Placer, CA | 336,725 | 15.8% |
| El Dorado, CA | 126,475 | 5.9% |
| Yolo, CA | 56,124 | 2.6% |
| Sutter, CA | 5,777 | 0.3% |
| Solano, CA | 3,312 | 0.2% |
| San Joaquin, CA | 2,086 | 0.1% |
Area Code 916 Family Tree
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All Descendants
Area code 916 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve CA. Over the years, it has generated 3 descendant area codes through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.
Call Context
This area code covers a geographic region across CA, including Sacramento and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 916.
Other Area Codes in California
Area codes that also serve California, linked for easy comparison.