Where Is Area Code 202?
Area code 202 serves Washington, District of Columbia, in the South Atlantic region of the United States. Its geographic footprint covers the District of Columbia, which lies along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The code serves the nation’s capital, not the entire Washington metropolitan area.
Washington is the only city in the District of Columbia. The District is not a county, but the U.S. Census Bureau treats it as a county-equivalent for statistical purposes. Communities and neighborhoods in the area include Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Anacostia, Dupont Circle, and Columbia Heights.
Notable geographic features and landmarks include the Potomac River, the Anacostia River, the National Mall, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol. The District also contains the Smithsonian museums, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.
Cities and Communities in the 202 Area Code
- Washington, District of Columbia
History of Area Code 202
Area code 202 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. It was assigned to Washington, District of Columbia, from the beginning and was not created by splitting another area code.
Area code 202 has not undergone a geographic split. Area code 771 became an overlay for the District on November 9, 2021. The overlay uses the same geographic area as 202 and added telephone number capacity without removing existing 202 numbers.
Key Facts About Area Code 202
- Area code 202 serves Washington, District of Columbia, the capital of the United States.
- Area code 202 is located in the South Atlantic region under U.S. Census classifications.
- The District of Columbia had 689,545 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, or about 690,000 people.
- Area code 202 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
- Area code 202 was one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes established in 1947.
- Area code 771 has overlaid area code 202 in the District of Columbia since November 9, 2021.
- Area code 202 uses Eastern Time.
- Major institutions in the area include the White House, U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Smithsonian museums, Georgetown University, Howard University, and George Washington University.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 202 in?
Area code 202 is in the District of Columbia, also known as DC.
What major cities use area code 202?
Washington, District of Columbia, is the major city associated with area code 202.
What time zone is area code 202 in?
Area code 202 uses Eastern Time.
Is area code 202 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 202 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.