Elk Grove, California

Where Is Area Code 916?

Area code 916 is in north-central California. It serves Sacramento County and a small part of Placer County in the Sacramento Valley region. Elk Grove is one of the cities in the 916 area code, along with Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and West Sacramento.

The area code covers the state capital, Sacramento, and many nearby communities east and south of the city. In Placer County, it serves the Granite Bay, Loomis, Roseville, and Rocklin rate areas through a small shared section of the region. The Sacramento River and the American River are major geographic features in the broader service area.

The 916 region includes well-known civic and cultural sites in and around Sacramento. These include the California State Capitol, Old Sacramento State Historic Park, and Sacramento International Airport, which uses Sacramento addresses even though it sits outside Elk Grove.

History of Area Code 916

Area code 916 is one of California's original area codes. AT&T and the North American Numbering Plan created it in 1947, when area codes first began in the United States. It originally covered a much larger part of northeastern California.

Area code 916 later lost territory as demand for phone numbers grew. In 1959, area code 707 split from 916. In 1997, area code 530 split from 916 and took much of the remaining northern and eastern portion of the old 916 region. In 2022, area code 279 overlaid 916, which means new phone numbers in the same geographic area can now use either 916 or 279.

Key Facts About Area Code 916

• Area code 916 is in California, and its largest city is Sacramento, the state capital.
• Area code 916 serves Elk Grove, Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and West Sacramento.
• Area code 916 also serves parts of Placer County, including the Granite Bay, Loomis, Roseville, and Rocklin rate areas.
• Area code 916 is in the Pacific Time Zone. It follows Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.
• Area code 916 is an original California area code that began in 1947.
• Area code 916 was reduced by the creation of area code 707 in 1959 and area code 530 in 1997.
• Area code 279 became an overlay for 916 in 2022, so 10-digit dialing is required across the 916 and 279 service area.
• Notable institutions and landmarks in the 916 area include the California State Capitol, California State University, Sacramento, and Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 916 in?

Area code 916 is in California.

What major cities use area code 916?

Major cities and communities in area code 916 include Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Galt, Isleton, and West Sacramento.

Is area code 916 a toll-free number?

No, area code 916 is a geographic area code for the Sacramento region of California.