Area Code 956
Texas
Area code 956 serves Texas, primarily Laredo, in the Central Time (CT) time zone. It was created from a split of area code 210.
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 210 (San Antonio).
In service since: 07-Jul-1997
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,583,286
- Population Density
- 11 people/sq mibelow U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $54,338below U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
- Poverty Rate
- 25.9%above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 7.0%above U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+20.6%below U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)High School or Lower43.1%
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 income ranking and density ranking.
Time Zone
- Central Time (CT)
NANPA Relief Status
According to the latest NANPA analysis (July 2026), area code 956 is currently relief planning in progress.
Planning letters: PL-035
Source: NANPA NPA Relief Planning Reports · See all relief planning statuses
Current Time
Prefix Utilization
Geographic Coverage
State
TX
Major Cities
- Laredo
- Brownsville
- Mesquite
- McAllen
- Edinburg
- Mission
- Pharr
- Harlingen
- Weslaco
- San Juan
- San Benito
- Alamo
- Alton
- Donna
- Mercedes
- Palmview
- Hidalgo
- Roma
- La Homa
- Raymondville
- Lago Vista
- Murillo
- Mila Doce
- Los Fresnos
and 254 more cities
History
Area code 956 was created from a split of area code 210. It was introduced in 1997 as part of a geographic division to provide additional numbering resources.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 956 is approximately 1,583,286. The population density is 11 people per square mile, which is lower than the national average of 95. The median household income is $54,338, which is lower than the national median of $80,734. Approximately 20.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.7%. This rate is lower than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 25.9%, which is higher 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 956).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hidalgo, TX | 884,928 | 55.9% |
| Cameron, TX | 424,124 | 26.8% |
| Webb, TX | 152,328 | 9.6% |
| Starr, TX | 71,824 | 4.5% |
| Willacy, TX | 20,561 | 1.3% |
| Zapata, TX | 14,345 | 0.9% |
| Kenedy, TX | 13,568 | 0.9% |
| La Salle, TX | 1,575 | 0.1% |
| Jim Hogg, TX | 33 | 0.0% |
Area Code 956 Family Tree
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Area code 956 was originally assigned in 07-Jul-1997 to serve TX.
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in TX with moderate to high population density, centered on Laredo and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 956.
Other Area Codes in Texas
Area codes that also serve Texas, linked for easy comparison.