Bayonne, New Jersey

Where Is Area Code 551?

Area code 551 is in northeastern New Jersey. It serves the same region as area code 201, including Bayonne and much of Hudson and Bergen counties. This area sits across the Hudson River from New York City.

Major cities and communities in the 551 area include Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Hackensack, Englewood, Fort Lee, and Union City. The code also covers many smaller Bergen County and Hudson County communities. It is a geographic area code for local phone service in this part of New Jersey.

Notable features in the 551 region include the Hudson River, Newark Bay, and the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. Bayonne is near the Kill Van Kull and Newark Bay. The service area also includes dense urban neighborhoods, waterfront communities, and major transportation corridors into Manhattan.

History of Area Code 551

Area code 551 began service on October 1, 2001. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved it as an overlay for the existing 201 area code. That means 551 was added to the same geographic region instead of splitting the territory into separate calling areas.

Area code 201 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947, and it once covered all of New Jersey. Over time, New Jersey added new area codes as demand for phone numbers grew. The 551 overlay reflected strong growth in landlines, fax lines, pagers, and mobile phones in Bergen and Hudson counties.

Key Facts About Area Code 551

• Area code 551 is in New Jersey and serves Bayonne along with other cities in Bergen County and Hudson County.
• Area code 551 uses the Eastern Time Zone.
• Area code 551 is an overlay of area code 201, and both codes serve the same geographic region.
• Area code 551 officially went into service on October 1, 2001.
• Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Hackensack, and Fort Lee are among the best-known cities in the 551 service area.
• The 551 region includes major landmarks and institutions such as the George Washington Bridge and Liberty State Park.
• Area code 201, which 551 overlays, was one of the original area codes established in 1947 in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Hudson County had a 2020 census population of 724,854, and Bergen County had a 2020 census population of 955,732, showing the large population base in the wider 551 service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 551 in?

Area code 551 is in New Jersey.

What major cities use area code 551?

Major cities that use area code 551 include Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Hackensack, Englewood, Fort Lee, and Union City.

Is area code 551 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 551 is a geographic area code.