802 area code

The 802 area code is the telephone area code in the state of Vermont, located in the northeastern United States. It was established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which divided the US and Canada into a series of geographical regions with unique area codes. Today, the 802 area code is the only area code used in Vermont and covers the entire state, making it an important identifier for the “Green Mountain State”. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the 802 area code, from its history and significance to its current demographics and features.

The History of the 802 Area Code

The 802 area code was one of the earliest area codes created by the NANP. Prior to the implementation of this system, Vermont had been served by multiple area codes, including 201, 301, 401, 603, and 802. These codes were assigned to different parts of the state, with no clear pattern or logic behind the division. However, the increasing demand for telephone services and expanding population led to the creation of the 802 area code on January 1, 1947.

The original 802 area code consisted of the entire state of Vermont, as well as parts of Quebec and Ontario in Canada. However, as other area codes were introduced, the boundaries of the 802 area code were reduced to only include Vermont, with the last remaining portion in Canada being transferred to the 819 area code in 1957. Since then, the 802 area code has remained unchanged and has become synonymous with Vermont, representing its unique identity and culture.

Counties that Use the 802 Area Code

The 802 area code covers all 14 counties in Vermont, making it one of the few single-area-code states in the US. These counties are as follows:

• Addison County
• Bennington County
• Caledonia County
• Chittenden County
• Essex County
• Franklin County
• Grand Isle County
• Lamoille County
• Orange County
• Orleans County
• Rutland County
• Washington County
• Windham County
• Windsor County

Major Cities that Use the 802 Area Code

While the entire state of Vermont is covered by the 802 area code, there are a few major cities and towns that have a larger concentration of population and phone users. These include:

• Burlington
• South Burlington
• Rutland
• Essex Junction
• Barre
• Montpelier
• St. Albans
• Bennington
• Colchester
• Brattleboro

All Cities & Towns that Use the 802 Area Code

Aside from the major cities listed above, there are over 250 cities, towns, and villages in Vermont that are served by the 802 area code. To give you a better idea of the extent of this area code, here is a map of all the cities and towns that use the 802 area code, along with their population:

In total, the 802 area code covers over 627,000 residents, with the largest population in Burlington (more than 42,000) and the smallest in Victory (only 58).

Demographics of the 802 Area Code

Vermont is known for its rural character, with an abundance of forests, mountains, and small towns. However, the 802 area code also includes a few urban areas, especially in the northwest part of the state. Overall, the demographics of the 802 area code are as follows:

• Median Age: 43.7 years
• Median Household Income: $60,076
• Median Home Value: $203,200
• Population Size: 627,180
• Male Population: 49.7%
• Female Population: 50.3%
• Rural Population: 44.2%
• Urban Population: 55.8%
• White Population: 94.4%
• Black Population: 1.1%
• Hispanic Population: 1.9%
• Asian Population: 1.5%
• Native American Population: 0.3%
• Two or More Races Population: 1.3%

Geography and Climate of the 802 Area Code

The 802 area code covers most of the state of Vermont, which is the second smallest state in the US by area. It is bordered by New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south, New York to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. The area code is situated in the northeastern part of Vermont, which is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty.

The climate in the 802 area code is largely influenced by its location in the northeastern US, with cold and snowy winters and mild summers. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 20°F (-6.7°C), while in July, the warmest month, it averages around 70°F (21°C). The state also receives high amounts of snowfall, with an average of over 80 inches per year.

Tourist Attractions in the 802 Area Code

Vermont is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the US and beyond. The 802 area code is home to a variety of natural and man-made attractions, including:

• Green Mountains – A range of beautiful peaks and valleys that cover most of Vermont, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.
• Lake Champlain – A 120-mile long lake that forms part of Vermont’s western border, known for its calm waters, scenic views, and various water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Ben & Jerry’s Factory – A popular ice cream manufacturer that was founded in Vermont and now has a famous tour of their factory in Waterbury. Visitors can take a guided tour and sample some of their unique flavors.
• Shelburne Museum – Located in Shelburne, this museum is known for its collection of American art, architecture, and design. It contains over 150,000 pieces, including works by famous artists such as Monet and Degas.
• Quechee Gorge – Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East”, this 165-foot deep gorge is a popular spot for hiking and photography, offering stunning views of the Ottauquechee River.

Education in the 802 Area Code

The 802 area code is home to some renowned educational institutions, including the University of Vermont, the state’s largest university with over 10,000 students. It also has several colleges and community colleges, such as Vermont Technical College and Community College of Vermont, offering a range of programs and degrees.

Healthcare in the 802 Area Code

Vermont is known for its high-quality healthcare system, with the state consistently ranked among the healthiest in the US. The 802 area code has several hospitals and medical centers, including the University of Vermont Medical Center and Rutland Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive care to its residents.

Government and Administration of the 802 Area Code

Vermont follows a state government structure that consists of three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial. The state governor serves as the head of the executive branch, while the General Assembly, consisting of the state Senate and House of Representatives, makes up the legislative branch. The state Supreme Court represents the highest level of the judicial branch and serves as the final authority in legal matters.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 802 Area Code

In today’s digital age, knowing your area code and zip code is essential for staying connected and receiving services. Along with the 802 area code, there are two overlay area codes that have been added to meet the growing demand for phone numbers in Vermont. These are:

• Area Code 802 – Covers the entire state of Vermont
• Area Code 802 – Covers the entire state of Vermont
• Area Code 579 – An overlay area code that was implemented in April 2010 to address the shortage of available phone numbers in Vermont. It covers the same geographic area as the 802 area code, and all existing numbers are required to have the area code included when dialed.
• Area Code 658 – Another overlay area code for Vermont that was implemented in 2020. It serves the same geographic area as the 802 and 579 area codes, and all local numbers within this area are required to have the area code included when dialed.

Along with area codes, zip codes are also important for identifying specific locations within the 802 area code. There are over 2,000 zip codes in Vermont, with the majority falling within the 802 area code. Some of the largest cities and towns in the 802 area code and their corresponding zip codes are:

• Burlington – 05401
• South Burlington – 05403
• Rutland – 05701
• Barre – 05641
• Montpelier – 05602
• St. Albans – 05478
• Bennington – 05201
• Colchester – 05446
• Brattleboro – 05301

FAQs

Q: Can I change my phone number’s area code to 802 if I move to Vermont?

A: Yes, if you move to Vermont and want to have an 802 area code, you can request to change your phone number to this area code. However, this is subject to availability, and you may be assigned a different area code based on regional phone number availability.

Q: Does the 802 area code only cover Vermont, or does it also cover other areas?

A: While the 802 area code originally covered parts of Quebec and Ontario in Canada, it now only covers the entire state of Vermont. It shares its borders with other area codes, including the 819 area code in Canada