Chicago, Illinois

Where Is Area Code 773?

Area code 773 serves most of the City of Chicago in northeastern Illinois. It covers neighborhoods outside Chicago's central downtown area, while area code 312 historically served the Loop and the central business district. Area code 773 is in Cook County and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.

Area code 773 covers many well-known Chicago communities on the North Side, West Side, and South Side. These include places such as Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Hyde Park, and Englewood. It also reaches major institutions and landmarks within Chicago, including the University of Chicago in Hyde Park and Wrigley Field on the North Side.

Chicago sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, and area code 773 serves large parts of the city away from the lakefront downtown core. The area includes dense residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and major transit routes run by the Chicago Transit Authority. Its service area is entirely within the city of Chicago.

History of Area Code 773

Area code 773 was created on October 12, 1996, in a split from area code 312. The split happened as Chicago needed more telephone numbers because of population density, business demand, fax lines, pagers, and early cell phone growth. After the split, 312 remained with central Chicago, and 773 took most of the rest of the city.

Area code 773 later became part of an overlay system. Area code 872 was added as an overlay to both 312 and 773 on November 7, 2009. Because of that overlay, 10-digit dialing became necessary for local calls in the affected parts of Chicago.

Key Facts About Area Code 773

• Area code 773 is in Illinois and primarily serves the City of Chicago.
• Area code 773 serves locations in Cook County, which includes all of Chicago.
• Area code 773 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 773 was created on October 12, 1996, as a split from area code 312.
• Area code 872 overlays area code 773 and area code 312, and the overlay began on November 7, 2009.
• Area code 773 covers many Chicago neighborhoods outside the downtown core, including Hyde Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, and Englewood.
• Major landmarks and institutions in the 773 area include the University of Chicago and Wrigley Field.
• Chicago had a population of 2,746,388 at the 2020 United States Census, and area code 773 serves a large share of the city outside central Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 773 in?

Area code 773 is in Illinois.

What major cities use area code 773?

Area code 773 primarily serves Chicago.

Is area code 773 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 773 is a geographic area code for Chicago, Illinois.