312 area code

The 312 area code is a telephone area code in the northeastern part of Illinois, which includes the city of Chicago along with its surrounding areas. It was first established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes and was created to cover the entire state of Illinois. However, with the increase in population and demand for telephone lines, the area code was split in 1989, and the northern suburbs of Chicago became a new area code, 847. Later in 1996, the city of Chicago itself was given a separate area code, 773, covering the city and some surrounding areas.

The area code 312 is the original area code for Chicago and is also known as a “downtown area code”. It encompasses the central and southeastern parts of Chicago, including the famous downtown area. Additionally, the area code covers a small portion of the city’s midwestern neighborhoods and some of its old and historic far southwest neighborhoods.

Originally, the 312 area code covered the entire state of Illinois, but after the split in 1989, it now only covers a small portion of the northeast region of the state, with the majority of Chicago being covered by the newer area codes 773 and 872.

Counties That Use 312 Area Code

The 312 area code covers parts of three counties in Illinois: Cook, Kane, and DuPage.

Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois and includes the city of Chicago, along with dozens of other municipalities and unincorporated areas. It is known for its diverse population and rich culture, with several famous landmarks such as the Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Kane County is located west of Cook County and is the fifth-most populous county in Illinois. It includes the city of Aurora, the second-largest city in Illinois, along with several other smaller municipalities. Kane County is known for its beautiful natural scenery and offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

DuPage County is situated in the western part of Cook County and is the second-most populous county in Illinois. It includes the affluent suburb of Naperville and is home to several major corporations and two major airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.

Major Cities That Use 312 Area Code

The 312 area code encompasses parts of several major cities in Illinois, including the city of Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and Cicero.

Chicago, the third-most populous city in the United States, is the main city covered by the 312 area code. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and for being a global hub for finance, commerce, technology, and transportation. The city is also home to several world-renowned academic institutions such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

Evanston is located in the northernmost part of Cook County and is home to Northwestern University. It is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, with several theaters, galleries, and museums. Evanston also has a diverse community and offers a variety of dining and shopping options.

Oak Park is a suburb located west of downtown Chicago and is famous for being the birthplace of renowned writer Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to several Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses and has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oak Park is an affluent community with beautiful tree-lined streets and a strong focus on the arts and education.

Cicero is a town located in the western suburbs of Chicago and is known for its strong Hispanic and Eastern European immigrant population. It is home to many historic landmarks, including the Hawthorne Works Tower, which is featured in the logo of the M&M candy company.

All Cities and Towns That Use 312 Area Code

The following is a list of all cities and towns that use the 312 area code:

• Chicago
• Evanston
• Oak Park
• Cicero
• Forest Park
• Lake Forest
• Lincolnwood
• Lyons
• Northbrook
• Northfield
• River Forest
• River Grove
• Riverside
• Skokie
• Wilmette
• Winnetka

Map and Population of 312 Area Code

The 312 area code covers a relatively small area, encompassing only a portion of the city of Chicago and some surrounding areas. According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population of the 312 area code was 2,694,902 as of 2019.

Geography and Climate of 312 Area Code

Geography

The 312 area code is located in the northeastern region of Illinois, also known as the Chicagoland area. It encompasses a mostly urban landscape, with the exception of some suburbs located on the outskirts of the city.

The city of Chicago sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, and is known for its beautiful skyline, scenic parks, and famous beaches. The city is situated on a relatively flat terrain, with the highest point being only 190 feet above sea level.

Climate

The 312 area code experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons: hot and humid summers, mild autumns, cold and snowy winters, and cool springs. The city of Chicago has an average annual temperature of 52.5 degrees Fahrenheit and receives an average of 36.3 inches of rainfall per year.

The summers in the 312 area code are warm and humid, with highs averaging in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s. The winters are cold and snowy, with average highs in the mid-30s and average lows in the low 20s. The spring and fall seasons are mild, with comfortable temperatures and occasional rainfall.

Tourist Attractions in 312 Area Code

The 312 area code is home to many popular tourist attractions and landmarks, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences.

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the 312 area code. Standing at 1,450 feet tall, it is the second-tallest building in the United States and provides visitors with stunning views of the city from its observation deck.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned museum located in the heart of the city. It houses a vast collection of over 300,000 works of art, spanning over 5,000 years of human history and includes pieces by famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

The Magnificent Mile is a popular shopping district located on Michigan Avenue, featuring high-end department stores, luxury boutiques, and a variety of restaurants. It is known for its holiday decorations and is a must-visit for any shopping enthusiast.

Education in 312 Area Code

The 312 area code is home to several prestigious academic institutions, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The University of Chicago is a private research university located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world and is known for its strong programs in economics, law, and business.

Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston. It is known for its strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and is home to several highly ranked graduate programs in journalism, engineering, and business.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a premier art and design school located in downtown Chicago. It is known for its comprehensive arts programs and has a prominent alumni base that includes renowned artists and designers.

Healthcare in 312 Area Code

The 312 area code is home to several top-ranked hospitals and medical centers, providing residents with quality healthcare services.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, located in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country and is known for its world-class medical care and cutting-edge research programs.

Rush University Medical Center, located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago, is known for its advanced treatments and technologies, including a comprehensive cancer center and a top-ranked orthopedics program.

The University of Chicago Medical Center, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood, is known for its research and patient care in various specialties, including cancer, cardiology, and pediatrics.

Government and Administration of 312 Area Code

The 312 area code falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Chicago, which is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest in the United States.

The city operates under a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor serving as the chief executive and legislative power vested in the City Council. The City Council is composed of 50 aldermen, each representing a specific ward within the city.

The government of Chicago provides a wide range of services to its residents, including public safety, transportation, education, and healthcare. It is also known for its efforts to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices, as well as its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in 312 Area Code

The 312 area code is not the only area code used in the northeastern part of Illinois. Below is a list of all the area codes that cover the Chicagoland area:

• 312, originally the entire state of Illinois, now covering parts of Chicago and surrounding areas.
• 773, covering the majority of Chicago, along with parts of some surrounding areas.
• 872, an overlay area code for Chicago and the surrounding areas of 312 and 773.
• 708, covering some southern parts of Chicago suburbs.
• 224, an overlay area code for the Chicago suburbs covered by the 847 area code.
• 847, covering the northern and northwestern suburbs of Chicago.

The 312 area code also uses different zip codes, depending on the specific region within the area code. Some of the zip codes commonly associated with the 312 area code include 60601, 60605, 60606, and 60622.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the 312 area code:

1. Why is Chicago called the “Windy City”?

The nickname “Windy City” was first mentioned in an 1899 article in the Chicago Daily Tribune, where it was used to describe the city’s politicians and their supposed long-windedness. However, others believe it may have originated from the strong winds that come off of Lake Michigan.