Where Does Our Data Come From?
Every area code page on this site is backed by official, publicly available datasets. This page explains what we use, how we keep it accurate, and what to do if something looks wrong.
Why you can trust this data
- Official sources only — area code assignments come from NANPA, the authority that manages North American phone numbering.
- U.S. Census data — demographic statistics (population, income, education, etc.) are drawn from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-year estimates — a widely-used public dataset.
- Regularly refreshed — data is updated periodically so new area codes, overlays, and splits appear promptly.
- Open to correction — if you spot an error, let us know and we'll investigate.
What the data covers
Each area code page can include the following information, all derived from the sources listed below:
- Geographic coverage — states, cities, and counties served
- Overlay & split relationships — whether an area code shares geography with another
- Time zone information
- Demographic snapshot — population, median household income, poverty rate, unemployment, and education levels
- City-to-area-code lookups
Coverage note: Data is US-focused. Demographic statistics are available only for area codes that can be mapped to counties. Some newer or recently reassigned area codes may not have full demographic data yet.
How accurate is geographic coverage?
We source official area code assignments — including overlays and splits — from authoritative numbering-plan data. For geography, we show coverage at the practical level most people care about (states, cities, and counties), but it's not meant to represent precise, street-level boundaries.
Even with high-quality public datasets, real-world changes can take time to appear. If you believe something is inaccurate, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does area code data come from?
- Area code assignments, overlays, and splits are sourced from official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administration) public reports — the same authority that manages phone numbering in the US and Canada.
- How accurate is the area code information?
- We use authoritative public datasets including NANPA reports and U.S. Census Bureau data. While we strive for accuracy, real-world changes (new area codes, boundary adjustments) may take a short time to appear on the site.
- How often is area code data updated?
- Data is refreshed regularly from official sources. Area code pages are updated periodically so you always see current information without significant delays.
- Where do the demographic statistics come from?
- Population, income, poverty rate, and other demographic figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates — a widely trusted public dataset.
Full source list
Below is the complete list of public datasets we rely on, with direct links so you can verify the data yourself.
- NANPA NPA Report — official area code assignments, overlay/split status, and service types.
- U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates — county-level population, income, poverty, unemployment, and education data (public domain).api.census.gov/data/2023/acs/acs5Also available at data.census.gov
- City-to-Area-Code Database — maps cities to their area codes; used for our city lookup feature.
- Area Code Boundary Polygons — approximate geographic boundaries (CC BY 4.0).