Where is Area Code 219?
Area Code 219 is primarily associated with the northwestern region of Indiana. It serves major cities within this territory:
- Hammond
- Gary
- Portage
- Merrillville
- Valparaiso
- Michigan City
Additionally, Area Code 219 covers parts of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, and Jasper Counties. For more information about area code boundaries and permitted usage, individuals can consult the local area code regulations published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. Organizations within the State of Indiana that oversee telecommunication matters can also be reached through the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission at 101 W Washington Street Suite 1500E, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
What Time Zone Is 219 Area Code in the USA?
The 219 area code falls under the Central Time Zone (CT). This region observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) in accordance with state and federal regulations. During DST, clocks are moved forward by one hour in the spring and shifted back by one hour in the fall.
History of the 219 Area Code
Year of Creation
Area Code 219 was implemented in 1948 as part of the original numbering plan designed to standardize telephone communications nationwide. Its introduction addressed the need for a more systematic approach to manage telephone services as demand grew across the country.
Splits and Overlays
Over time, the 219 region witnessed considerable changes spurred by population growth and an expanding telecommunications industry. Before the current coverage, the area code was obliged to split to accommodate increased demand. One notable event occurred in 2002, when portions of the original area code were reassigned to Area Code 574 and Area Code 260, aiming to ensure an adequate supply of phone numbers for new businesses and residents.
Reasons for Changes
The primary drivers behind the realignment and splitting of the 219 area code were:
- Continued residential and commercial development
- Increased usage of mobile phone lines
- A rise in fax lines and other non-voice communication needs
Official documentation about these splits and overlays can be accessed by reviewing the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) website.
How Many People Use the 219 Area Code?
The 219 area code region encompasses a substantial portion of northwest Indiana’s population. Local estimates suggest that more than 800,000 residents and businesses benefit from this telephone prefix. The following indicators highlight the population coverage:
- Dense industrial zones, particularly around the cities of Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago
- Expanding suburban and residential areas in Porter and LaPorte Counties
- Significant commercial and small-business communities in Lake County
For verification of population data in these counties, interested parties may consult the official state demographic information, compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau at 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, which provides updated statistics and estimates based on census surveys.
Is the 219 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 219 is classified as a geographic, rather than a toll-free, area code. Calls placed within this numbering plan territory may incur local or long-distance charges depending on the caller’s phone service plan.
Key considerations for individuals placing calls to or from Area Code 219 include:
- Mobile plans often bundle local and long-distance calls together under a single service fee.
- Landline users may experience higher rates when calling outside the region.
- Area Code 219 is subject to regular telecommunication regulations enforced by local agencies, and the federal Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.