The 843 area code corresponds to the eastern section of South Carolina. This codification surrounds 20 of the 46 counties of the state, such as Charleston, Horry, Berkeley, Florence, and Beaufort.
This code belongs to the Eastern Daylight time zone, just like the rest of the state’s prefixes. Currently, it owns a single overlay, the 854 area code that covers the same service region. In this way, both numbers form part of the five dialing codes that constitute the South Carolina telephonic network.
On the other hand, the 843 area code is the main numbering plan area of the state covering over 1.6 million users. Providing services for healthcare institutions, universities, colleges, urban areas, major companies, and others, this prefix contributes to the development of the principal economic state’s sectors.
1. History
The first codification assigned to South Carolina as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was the 803 area code. This prefix entered on service in 1947, being one of the 86 original prefixes designated to Canada and the U.S.
This original prefix could support the state telecommunication service by itself for nearly five decades. On December 3, 1995, the Bell System put in service the 864 area code, as a split for the original 803. This number enclosed 12 surrounding counties in upstate South Carolina and others municipalities like Clemson, Greenville, and Anderson.
On the other hand, the 843 area code began serving on March 22, 1998, becoming the second split for code 803. Due to this activation, the coastal region of the state entered in the 843 coverage radius, while the central portion of South Carolina retained the 803 code.
On December 9, 2013, the Carolina Public Service Commission approved the introduction of the 854 area code as the first overlay plan of the state. It started serving on October 19, 2015, covering the same service region that the prefix 843.
2. Location
Admitted on May 23, 1788, South Carolina is one of the 13 original colonies of the nation. It constitutes the eighth incorporated state and lies in the southeastern region of the U.S. Divided in three natural geographic areas; it is bordered by North Carolina to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia to the southwest.
South Carolina is the tenth smallest state and 23rd most populated of the country; covering a total area of 32,020 square miles and encompassing over 5.2 million inhabitants. This state is composed of 270 incorporated municipalities consisting of cities and towns.
The Upstate region is the largest metro area of the state covering nearly 6,168 square miles. This region belongs to the westernmost part of South Carolina and includes the major counties of Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg.
Likewise, the 843 area code contains 183 non-unique postal area zip codes and surrounds 11904.75 square miles.
Adjacent codes
One of the surrounding area codes of the prefix 843 is the original number 803, which encloses 21 counties and the city-state capital of Columbia. It is overlaid by the 839 code, activated in May 2020. This last codification represents the newest dialing number added to the network.
Another significant prefix is the already mentioned 864. Located in northwestern South Carolina, it is the only code of the state without an overlay plan.
3. Most Important Locations in the 843 Area Code
Charleston
Located in the coastal region of the state, Charleston is the most populous state-city of South Carolina, enclosing nearly 135k residents. Also, it represents the county seat of Charleston County and expands across 135.10 square miles.
Founded in 1670, this city belongs to the Charleston metropolitan area, which includes Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties and encompasses an estimated population of around 802k inhabitants.
Formerly, this location used to be a relevant slave trading port. Nevertheless, today it stands out as a popular tourist and cultural destination.
Charleston postal service is composed of 23 non-unique postal area zip codes; including 29401, 29405, 29409, 29412, and 29413.
North Charleston
Included in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, it is the third-most populous municipality of South Carolina, with an estimated population of around 111k residents and nearly 81.06 square miles of total area.
Located near the Atlantic Ocean in the coastal plain, this city delimits Charleston to the south and east, Hanahan to the north and east, Summerville to the northwest, and Goose Creek to the northeast.
Since 1989, North Charleston has been the state’s leader in retail sales. Today, it represents one of the most important industrial cities in the whole territory.
Incorporated in the Charleston metropolitan area and covered by the 843 area code it disposes of eight non-unique postal area zip codes: 29405, 29406, 29410, 29415, 29418, 29419, 29420, and 29423.
4. Other Important Districts and ZIP Codes of the 843 Area Code
The 843 area code covered 20 of the 46 South Carolina counties, such as:
- Charleston County: with a population of around 400kinhabitants it is the third-most populous county behind Greenville and Richland. Covering nearly 1,358 square miles Charleston is the largest territory of South Carolina. Its largest municipality and county seat is the already mentioned Charleston City and owns 34 ZIP codes.
- Berkeley County: incorporated in the Charleston metro area, this county lies just south Charleston. Founded in 1882, it is the eighth-most populous county of the state, encompassing over 215k It sprawls across 1,229square miles and owns 15 ZIP codes.
- Horry County: founded in 1801, Horry is located in the eastern section of South Carolina. Enclosing nearly 332k people it is the fourth-most populous county of the state. Its county seat is Conway and disposes of 21 ZIP codes.
Main Postal and Shipping Services
- Coastal Postal, Myrtle Beach, +1 843-903-2958
- JerriBob's Pack & Ship, Surfside Beach, +1 843-215-1338
- Mail Services - College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, - +1 843-953-5534
- MUSC Postal Service Center, Charleston, SC, - +1 843-792-7174
5. FAQs
What is the most populated area code in South Carolina?
The most employed area code of the state is the 843 dialing number.
What is the original area code added to South Carolina?
The original codification of the state is the 803 area code, incorporated in 1947.