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.

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 210 (San Antonio).

In service since: 07-Jul-1997

Learn more about overlay and split area codes →

Demographics & Economics

Total Population: 1,569,718
Population Density: 204 people/sq mi
above U.S. average (U.S.: 93 people/sq mi)
Median Household Income: $52,281
below U.S. median (U.S.: $75,144)
Poverty Rate: 26.2%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 11.5%)
Unemployment Rate: 7.0%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 3.6%)
Education Attainment: Bachelor's Degree+
19.9%
below U.S. average (U.S.: 33.7%)
High School or Lower
43.0%

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

Central Time (CT)

Prefix Utilization

Geographic Coverage

State

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

Area Code 956 geographic coverage map (light mode)

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 1,569,718. The population density is 204 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 93. The median household income is $52,281, which is lower than the national median of $75,144. Approximately 19.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 33.7%. This rate is lower than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 26.2%, which is higher 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 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%