Where Is Area Code 803?
Area code 803 serves central South Carolina, including the Midlands and the Columbia metropolitan area. Columbia is the primary city, while the service area also reaches Aiken, Rock Hill, Sumter, Orangeburg, Lancaster, and Newberry.
The area code covers communities in counties such as Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, York, Lancaster, Aiken, Sumter, Orangeburg, Newberry, Fairfield, and Chester. Its coverage extends from the Columbia area toward the state's western and northern borders.
Notable features in the 803 area include the Congaree River, Lake Murray, the South Carolina State House, Fort Jackson, and Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is near Hopkins in Richland County, southeast of Columbia.
Cities and Communities in the 803 Area Code
- Aiken, Aiken County
- Allendale, Allendale County
- Bamberg, Bamberg County
- Barnwell, Barnwell County
- Batesburg-Leesville, Lexington and Saluda counties
- Bishopville, Lee County
- Blythewood, Richland County
- Camden, Kershaw County
- Cayce, Lexington County
- Chester, Chester County
- Columbia, Richland and Lexington counties
- Denmark, Bamberg County
- Elgin, Kershaw County
- Forest Acres, Richland County
- Irmo, Lexington and Richland counties
- Lancaster, Lancaster County
- Lexington, Lexington County
- Manning, Clarendon County
- Newberry, Newberry County
- North Augusta, Aiken County
- Orangeburg, Orangeburg County
- Rock Hill, York County
- Santee, Orangeburg County
- St. Matthews, Calhoun County
- Sumter, Sumter County
- Swansea, Lexington County
- West Columbia, Lexington County
- Winnsboro, Fairfield County
History of Area Code 803
Area code 803 was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 North American Numbering Plan area codes. It originally covered the entire state of South Carolina.
Area code 864 split from 803 on December 3, 1995, to serve western South Carolina. Area code 843 split from 803 on March 22, 1998, to serve much of eastern and coastal South Carolina. Area code 839 was added as an overlay to 803 on May 26, 2020, giving the same geographic region a second area code and expanding its numbering capacity.
Key Facts About Area Code 803
- Area code 803 is a geographic area code in South Carolina, and Columbia is its primary city.
- Area code 803 is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States Census Bureau.
- Area code 803 uses Eastern Time.
- Area code 803 is an original North American Numbering Plan area code established in 1947.
- Area code 864 split from 803 in 1995, and area code 843 split from 803 in 1998.
- Area code 839 became an overlay for the 803 service area on May 26, 2020.
- The University of South Carolina's main campus and the South Carolina State House are in Columbia, within the 803 area.
- Fort Jackson is in Columbia, and Congaree National Park is near Hopkins in Richland County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 803 in?
Area code 803 is in South Carolina.
What major cities use area code 803?
Major cities in area code 803 include Columbia, Aiken, Rock Hill, Sumter, Orangeburg, Lancaster, and Newberry.
What time zone is area code 803 in?
Area code 803 uses Eastern Time.
Is area code 803 a toll-free number?
No, area code 803 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free number.