315 area code
The 315 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the northeastern part of the state of New York, including Syracuse, Utica, and the surrounding areas. The code was first introduced in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the NANP, and has undergone several changes since then to accommodate the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region. This article will provide in-depth information about the 315 area code, its history, cities and towns it serves, demographics, economy, and more.
The History of the 315 Area Code
The 315 area code was established on January 1, 1947, as one of the original area codes in the NANP. It was created by splitting off a portion of the 716 area code, which then covered the entire western and central regions of New York. The initial area code covered a vast area, including the cities of Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, and the nearby rural areas.
In the early years of its existence, the 315 area code underwent several changes to keep up with the growing population and demand for telephone numbers. In 1954, the northwestern portion of the 315 area code was split off to create the 518 area code, which covered the cities of Glens Falls, Plattsburgh, and the Adirondack region. Then in 1958, the northeastern portion of the 315 area code was split off to create the 607 area code, which covered the Binghamton area.
Another major change happened in 2001 when the 315 area code was split again, creating the 585 area code for Rochester and the western Finger Lakes region, and the 315 area code remained for the cities of Syracuse, Utica, and the surrounding areas. This split was mainly due to the increase in population and demand for telephone numbers in these major cities. Since then, there have been no further changes to the 315 area code boundaries.
Cities and Counties That Use the 315 Area Code
The 315 area code covers a large portion of northeastern New York, including 18 counties and over 100 cities, towns, and villages. Some of the major cities that use the 315 area code include Syracuse, Utica, Watertown, Rome, Auburn, and Fulton. This area code also covers rural areas and smaller towns such as Pulaski, Lowville, and Potsdam.
The following counties are served by the 315 area code:
- Jefferson
- St. Lawrence/li>
- Oswego
- Onondaga
- Oneida
- Herkimer
- Lewis
- Cortland
- Madison
- Cayuga
- Cortland
- Seneca
- Otsego
- Tioga
- Tompkins
- Wayne
- Yates
Major Cities That Use the 315 Area Code
Syracuse
Syracuse is the largest city that uses the 315 area code, with a population of over 145,000 people. It is located in Onondaga County, in the central region of New York. It is a major economic, educational, and cultural hub and is home to several universities, including Syracuse University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The city has a diverse economy with industries such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Syracuse include the Destiny USA Mall, the Onondaga Lake Park, the Everson Museum of Art, and the Museum of Science & Technology. The city also has a thriving sports scene, with teams such as the Syracuse University Orange basketball team and the Syracuse Mets minor league baseball team.
Utica
Utica is another major city in the 315 area code, with a population of over 60,000 people. It is located in Oneida County, in the central region of New York. Utica has a rich history, being one of the major cities in the Erie Canal era, and has a diverse population with a significant number of Italian and Bosnian immigrants. The city has a diverse economy with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
One of the top tourist attractions in Utica is the Utica Utica Zoo, which features over 200 animals from around the world. The city also has a strong arts and cultural scene, with popular events such as the Utica Music and Arts Festival and the Boilermaker Road Race attracting visitors from all over the state.
All Cities and Towns That Use the 315 Area Code
As mentioned earlier, the 315 area code covers over 100 cities, towns, and villages. Some of the notable ones include:
Watertown
Watertown is a city in Jefferson County, located in the northern region of New York. It is the county seat and has a population of over 26,000 people. The city is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking.
Rome
Rome is a city in Oneida County, located in the central region of New York. It has a population of over 33,000 people and is often referred to as the “Copper City” due to its history as a major manufacturer of copper pots and other household items. The city has a strong military presence, with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Rome Barracks of the New York Army National Guard both located in Rome.
Auburn
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, located in the central region of New York. It has a population of over 26,000 people and is known for its scenic location near the Finger Lakes and its history as a major center for the Underground Railroad.
Map of the 315 Area Code and Its Cities and Towns
Demographics of the 315 Area Code
As of 2021, the 315 area code has an estimated population of over 1.5 million people, with a median age of 40 years. The racial makeup of the area code is primarily White (82%), followed by African American (9%), Hispanic (5%), and Asian (3%). The area code has a slightly higher population of females (51%) than males (49%).
The median household income in the 315 area code is around $60,000, which is slightly lower than the state average of $69,000. The cost of living in this area code is generally lower compared to other parts of New York, making it an attractive place to live for those looking for more affordable housing options.
Economy of the 315 Area Code
The economy of the 315 area code is diverse, with a strong focus on healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. Major employers in the area code include:
- SUNY Upstate Medical University (Syracuse)
- Syracuse University (Syracuse)
- Turning Stone Resort & Casino (Oneida)
- Constellation Brands (Victor)
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse)
- North Country Orthopedic Group (Watertown)
- Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Syracuse)
- Oneida Healthcare (Oneida)
- BOCES (Auburn)
- Indium Corporation (Clinton)
Geography, Climate, and Tourist Attractions
The 315 area code covers a diverse geographic region, with various landscapes such as lakes, forests, and farmlands. The climate in the area code is classified as humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 75°F, while the average temperature in the winter months is around 25°F.
Some of the top tourist attractions in the 315 area code include:
- The Adirondack Park, the largest park in the contiguous United States, covering over 6 million acres of mountains, lakes, and forests.
- The Thousand Islands region, consisting of over 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, known for its scenic boat tours, fishing, and outdoor activities.
- Old Forge, a popular vacation spot in the Adirondacks, known for its ski slopes, water park, and family-friendly activities.
- The Finger Lakes region, known for its stunning scenery, wineries, and outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and camping.
- Letchworth State Park, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” featuring scenic waterfalls, cliffs, and hiking trails.
Education in the 315 Area Code
The 315 area code is home to several colleges and universities, including Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Utica College, and Colgate University. There are also many public and private primary and secondary schools in the area code, offering quality education to students of all ages.
Healthcare in the 315 Area Code
The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to the economy in the 315 area code, with several hospitals, clinics, and health centers located throughout the region. Some of the top healthcare facilities in the area code include Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, Rome Memorial Hospital in Rome, and Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.
Government and Administration in the 315 Area Code
The 315 area code is primarily located within the state of New York’s 24th congressional district and is represented by Congressman John Katko. The state government is based in Albany, and the 315 area code is served by state senator and assembly members representing the various counties within the area code.
An interesting fact about the 315 area code is that its residents have a strong sense of community and often refer to themselves as “315ers” in recognition of their area code.
Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 315 Area Code
The 315 area code shares boundaries with several other area codes, including 518, 585, and 607. The zip codes in the 315 area code range from 12000-14999, with the majority of the codes starting with “13.”
Recent Changes and Updates to the 315 Area Code
The most recent change to the 315 area code was the implementation of the 10-digit dialing system in 2017. This means that all local calls within the 315 area code must be dialed using the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. This change was necessary due to the exhaustion of available phone numbers in the area code and to ensure a continuous supply of telephone numbers for the growing population.