Back Mountain, Pennsylvania

Where Is Area Code 272?

Area code 272 is in northeastern Pennsylvania. It serves the same region as area code 570 because 272 is an overlay code. This calling area covers a large part of the northern and eastern section of the state, including the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre area.

Area code 272 serves communities in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Lycoming County, Monroe County, and many other counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Back Mountain, in Luzerne County, is within the 570 and 272 service area. Other well-known communities in the area include Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Hazleton, and Stroudsburg.

Area code 272 covers a region that includes the Wyoming Valley and the Pocono Mountains. It also reaches areas near the Susquehanna River. Major landmarks in the broader service area include Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton and parts of the Pocono recreation region.

History of Area Code 272

Area code 272 was established on March 28, 2013, as an overlay for area code 570. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved 272 after the 570 region neared exhaustion of available phone numbers. Because it is an overlay, existing 570 numbers stayed the same.

Area code 570 had first been created in 1998 as a split from area code 717. The addition of 272 reflected continued growth in demand for landline, mobile, and other telecommunications numbers across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. The overlay also made 10-digit dialing necessary for local calls in the 570 and 272 region.

Key Facts About Area Code 272

• Area code 272 is a Pennsylvania geographic area code that serves the same territory as area code 570.
• Area code 272 officially entered service on March 28, 2013.
• Area code 272 is an overlay, not an original area code and not a split from 570.
• Area code 272 serves northeastern and central Pennsylvania, including Back Mountain, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Hazleton, and Stroudsburg.
• Area code 272 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
• Area code 272 covers part of Luzerne County, where the Back Mountain region is located.
• Area code 272 serves a region that includes major institutions such as Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre and the University of Scranton in Scranton.
• Area code 272 shares coverage with notable regional landmarks including Steamtown National Historic Site and the Pocono Mountains area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 272 in?

Area code 272 is in Pennsylvania.

What major cities use area code 272?

Major cities in area code 272 include Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Hazleton, and Stroudsburg.

Is area code 272 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 272 is a geographic area code.