Haverhill, Massachusetts
Area code 978
Where Is Area Code 978?
Area code 978 is in northeastern Massachusetts. It serves much of the Merrimack Valley and parts of north-central Massachusetts, including the city of Haverhill.
Area code 978 covers cities and towns such as Haverhill, Lowell, Lawrence, Fitchburg, and Leominster. It serves communities in counties that include Essex County, Middlesex County, and Worcester County. The code reaches areas near the New Hampshire border.
This area includes the Merrimack River, which runs through cities such as Haverhill, Lowell, and Lawrence. It also covers well-known places such as Lowell National Historical Park in Lowell and parts of Cape Ann communities that use 978.
History of Area Code 978
Area code 978 began service on September 1, 1997. It was created in a split from area code 508 as demand for new phone numbers grew in eastern Massachusetts.
Area code 351 overlays 978. The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable approved the 351 overlay in 2000, and ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 978 region in 2001. This change added more phone numbers without changing existing 978 numbers.
Key Facts About Area Code 978
- Area code 978 is in Massachusetts, and Haverhill is one of the cities in the 978 service area.
- Area code 978 serves the Eastern Time Zone.
- Area code 978 was created on September 1, 1997, in a split from area code 508.
- Area code 351 is an overlay for area code 978, and both codes now serve the same geographic region.
- Major cities in area code 978 include Haverhill, Lowell, Lawrence, Fitchburg, and Leominster.
- Area code 978 covers parts of northeastern and north-central Massachusetts, including communities near the New Hampshire state line.
- Lowell National Historical Park is in the 978 area, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell also uses this region.
- Area code 978 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 978 in?
Area code 978 is in Massachusetts.
What major cities use area code 978?
Major cities in area code 978 include Haverhill, Lowell, Lawrence, Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gloucester.
Is area code 978 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 978 is a geographic area code.
Last updated: March 2026