304 area code

The 304 area code is the primary telephone area code in the state of West Virginia, covering the entire state. It was one of the original area codes established in 1947, along with 303, 412, and 803. The 304 area code is unique in that it is the only area code to serve the entire state of West Virginia, making it a unifying factor for the state’s diverse population and geography.

FAQs

1. What cities and towns are covered by the 304 area code?

2. What counties in West Virginia use the 304 area code?

3. What are the major cities within the area code 304?

4. What is the population and geography of the 304 area code?

5. What are some popular tourist attractions in the 304 area code?

Area Code Cities

The 304 area code covers the entire state of West Virginia, which has a population of approximately 1.8 million people. The cities and towns within the zip code are diverse, ranging from bustling urban areas to quiet rural towns. Some of the major cities within the 304 area code include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, and Martinsburg.

Counties in the 304 Area Code

There are 55 counties in West Virginia, all of which fall under the 304 area code. Some of the counties with the largest populations include Kanawha, Berkeley, Monongalia, and Cabell. The 304 area code is a crucial part of the state’s identity, as it unites all counties under one telephone area code.

Major Cities within 304 Area Code

Charleston is the capital and most populous city in West Virginia, with a population of around 50,000. It is known for its rich history and diverse culture, with a thriving arts and music scene. Huntington, located in the western part of the state, is known as the “City of Bridges” and is home to Marshall University. Morgantown, in the northern part of the state, is home to West Virginia University and is a hub for the healthcare, technology, and energy industries. Parkersburg, located in the northwestern part of the state, is known for its picturesque riverfront and historic sites. Wheeling, in the northern panhandle, is a popular tourist destination with its Victorian-era architecture and lively festivals. Martinsburg, in the eastern panhandle, is a growing city with a rich history and a small-town charm.

Map of the 304 Area Code

The map below shows the different cities and towns within the 304 area code. You can see the diverse geography of the state, with urban areas in the north and south, and rural areas in the central and eastern parts of the state.

Population, Geography, and Climate

West Virginia covers an area of 24,230 square miles and is located in the Appalachian region of the United States. The state is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Ohio to the northwest, Kentucky to the southwest, Virginia to the southeast, and Maryland to the northeast. The Appalachian Mountains run through the state, providing scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The population of West Virginia has been steadily declining in recent years, with an estimated decrease of 0.5% between 2010 and 2019. The state’s population is mostly white (93.9%), followed by Black or African American (3.6%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). West Virginia is known for its friendly and tight-knit communities, with a strong sense of community among its residents.

The climate in West Virginia is generally mild, with hot summers and cold winters. The average summer temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average winter temperature is around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The state also experiences a fair amount of precipitation, with an average of 42 inches of rain and 31 inches of snow per year.

Tourist Attractions

West Virginia is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some popular tourist attractions in the 304 area code include:

• The New River Gorge Bridge – an iconic steel arch bridge spanning the New River Gorge, known for its annual Bridge Day celebration and its beautiful views.
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – a historic town known for the John Brown Raid and its role in the Civil War.
• Blackwater Falls State Park – a scenic park known for its majestic waterfall and Ski Resort.
• Seneca Rocks – a popular hiking and rock-climbing destination in the Monongahela National Forest.
• The Greenbrier Resort – a well-known hotel and casino featuring golf courses, spa facilities, and historical tours.

Education

West Virginia has a strong education system, with several colleges and universities within the state. Some of the prominent higher education institutions within the 304 area code include West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Shepherd University. These universities offer a wide range of academic programs, including business, engineering, education, and healthcare.

In addition to higher education institutions, West Virginia also has a strong K-12 education system, with over 700 public schools and several private schools across the state.

Healthcare

West Virginia has a well-developed healthcare system, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities scattered throughout the state. Some of the largest healthcare systems within the 304 area code include United Hospital Center, Charleston Area Medical Center, and Ruby Memorial Hospital. The state has a strong focus on providing quality and accessible healthcare to its residents.

Government and Administration

West Virginia operates under a state government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The governor of the state is the head of the executive branch, with the state legislature being responsible for creating and enacting laws. The Supreme Court of Appeals is the highest court in the state, with lower courts in each county providing justice at the local level.

The state of West Virginia is represented by two senators and three representatives in the United States Congress. The current Governor of the state is Jim Justice, and the state’s capital is Charleston.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 304 Area Code

The 304 area code is the only area code that covers the entire state of West Virginia. However, due to the increasing demand for phone numbers, a new area code, 681, was implemented in 2009 as an overlay to the 304 area code. This means that new telephone numbers in the state may have either the 304 or 681 area code, depending on availability.

Zip codes within the 304 area code range from 24701 to 26904 and cover all counties within the state. Each city or town within the 304 area code has its own unique zip code, with larger cities having multiple zip codes for different areas within the city.

Recent Changes and Updates

In recent years, the number of phone numbers within the 304 area code has been rapidly depleting, leading to the implementation of the 681 area code in 2009. This has caused some confusion and inconvenience for residents and businesses in the state, as there is no geographical split between the two area codes.

In 2020, a proposal was made to add a third area code, 675, to the state of West Virginia. This would be an overlay to the existing 304 and 681 area codes and would provide additional phone numbers for the growing population. The proposal is currently under review by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and is subject to approval by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

Q&A

1. Will my phone number change if a new area code is added?

You will not have to change your current phone number if a new area code is added. All existing numbers within the state will keep their original area code.

2. Will I have to dial different numbers if I have a 304 or 681 area code?

No, the dialing procedure for local calls will remain the same, regardless of whether you have a 304 or 681 area code. This includes dialing within your area code or between area codes within the state.

3. Will this affect long-distance calls within the state?

No, you will still need to dial the full 10-digit number (area code + telephone number) for long-distance calls within the state, even if you are calling a number with the same area code as yours.

4. How will this affect businesses in the state?

Businesses within the state will still retain their current phone numbers and will not be required to make any changes. However, new businesses may be assigned numbers with the new area code if the proposal is approved.

5. Will this affect the cost of phone services?

The cost of phone services is not expected to be affected by the addition of a new area code. However, some businesses may choose to include the cost of updating their phone numbers in their pricing for products or services.

Conclusion

The 304 area code is the primary telephone area code in the state of West Virginia, covering its entire population and geography. It is a unifying factor for the state and is an essential component of its identity. With its diverse cities and towns, rich history and culture, and beautiful landscapes, the 304 area code is a unique and vibrant part of the United States.