The 973 area code is a dialing number in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that corresponds to northern New Jersey. This codification is the most populated with an estimated 1.9 million of the state's 8.8 million residents.
As part of the New York City Metropolitan Area, this region stands out for its economic engines and for being one of the nation's major air, shipping, and rail hubs.
The 973 area code covers a popular zone, which represents a great influence on the financial sector of the region. Northern New Jersey disposes of two area codes: the prefix 973 and its overlay the number 862.
1. History
The first area code that started serving in New Jersey’s state was the prefix 201, as one of the 86 original area codes designated for the United States. This code used to serve the entire state but after splits in 1958, 1991, and 1997, it serves the most northeastern side of the region.
At being the last split from the original code, the 973 area code started running in New Jersey on June 1, 1997, to solve troubles generated by the increase of cell phones, pagers, and fax machines at the beginning of the 90’s decade.
The introduction of this new area code in 1997 wasn’t enough to cope with the exhaustion in the telephone network of the state. For this reason, four years later, as part of the overlay plan, the 862 area code began to operate, covering the same area as the 973.
Since the activation of the 862 number on December 1, 2001, ten-digit dialing (area code + 7 numbers) became necessary for this portion of New Jersey.
2. Location
The 973 area code possesses 163 non-unique postal area ZIP codes and surrounds 1246.87 square miles into the northern part of New Jersey’s territory. This codification is currently serving seven of the 21 counties located in the state, including Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Hudson County.
New Jersey lies in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the country, covering a total area of 8,722.58 square miles. Located in the Eastern Daylight time zone, this state is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New York to the north, and Pennsylvania and Delaware to the west.
On the other hand, the northern part of New Jersey constitutes the most populous county (Bergen County) and city (Newark) of the region. North Jersey is situated between the upper Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean and encloses some relevant financial districts like Jersey City or the Newark-Elizabeth Seaport.
Adjacent codes
New Jersey’s telephone network comprises 10 area codes for the entire region. The oldest prefix serving in this state is the already mentioned 201, which belongs to the northeastern side of the state and possesses a single overlay (551).
The newest prefix added to the region is the 640 area code. It is an overlay for the dialing code 609 and both numbers cover Trenton, Atlantic City, and Pleasantville.
The Central New Jersey region encompasses the 908 area code and its split, the 732, serving communities in Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren County.
Also, its near metropolitan areas with other prefixes, such as Baltimore and the 301 area code and the 443 area code
3. Most Important Cities in the 973 Area Code
Newark
Newark is not only the most populous city covered by the 973 area code but also the most populous one in the entire state with around 281.054 inhabitants. Founded in 1663, it is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and the county seat of Essex County.
This city is a historic urban area and presently a cultural and economic center for the state. That’s the reason why the Newark region is home to several leading companies, as Panasonic Corporation of America, PSEG, and Prudential.
At being one of the most significant cities in the region, Newark disposes of a solid telecommunications network and possesses 20 non-unique ZIP codes.
Paterson
Established on November 22, 1791, and incorporated on April 11, 1831, Paterson is the county seat and the largest city of Passaic County. Located near the north edge of New Jersey this city borders the municipalities of Clifton, Haledon, Hawthorne, Prospect Park, Totowa, and Woodland Park.
Paterson is the third most populous city in New Jersey with a population estimated at 145.710 residents. Furthermore, the location encompasses some historic districts as The Great Falls and Eastside Park, which represents a symbol for the county.
Covered by the 973 area code, it possesses s 18 non-unique ZIP codes, including 07501, 07502, 07533, and 07543.
Other Important Locations and ZIP Codes of the 973 Area Code
The 973 area code is the most employed in the New Jersey’s area and covers 62 cities and 7 counties, including:
- Bergen County: at being the most populous county in New Jersey’s State, Bergen possesses an estimated population of 932.202 inhabitants. Located in the New York City Metropolitan Area, this county encompasses 70 municipalities and contains 71 non-unique ZIP codes.
- Essex County: located in the northeastern portion of the state, Essex constitutes the third most populous county in New Jersey. Its foundation dates from 1683, this county is famous for its system of parks that comprises more than 30 spaces. Besides, Essex County possesses 45 non-unique ZIP codes.
- Passaic County: settled in 1837, Passaic is the third most populous county covered by the 973 area code with around 826 people. Its county seat and largest city is Paterson, which covers more than 40% of the county’s area. Passaic disposes of 38 non-unique ZIP codes.
Main Postal and Shipping Services
- USPS, Belleville, NJ, - +1 973-759-2588
- Belleville Post Office, Belleville, NJ, - +1 973-759-7652
- Roseville Post Office, Newark, NJ, - +1 973-485-4545
- Clifton Post Office, Clifton, NJ, - +1 973-472-0426
- Newark Post Office Credit Union, Newark, NJ, - +1 973-621-7553
4. FAQs
How many area codes are there in New Jersey?
New Jersey encloses 7 area codes for the entire state.
What is the most used area code in New Jersey?
The area code 973 is employed for more than 1.9 million of the state's 8.8 million residents, being the most used area code in the region.