815 area code

The 815 area code is a telephone area code serving the northern and western parts of Illinois. It was assigned in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Today, the 815 area code covers an area of approximately 5,931 square miles and serves 22 counties in Illinois. In this guide, we will explore the cities and towns that use the 815 area code, the population and geography of the region, as well as various aspects such as climate, education, healthcare, and government.

Counties that Use “815 Area Code”

The 815 area code serves a total of 22 counties in Illinois. These are Boone, Bureau, Carroll, De Kalb, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, La Salle, Lee, Marshall, McHenry, Mercer, Ogle, Putnam, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties.

Major Cities that Use “815 Area Code”

The 815 area code covers a large geographical area and includes a number of major cities. These include Rockford, Joliet, Kankakee, DeKalb, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Belvidere, Crystal Lake, Ottawa, and Sycamore. Let’s take a closer look at some of these cities and their unique characteristics.

Rockford

Rockford is the largest city in the 815 area code and serves as the county seat of Winnebago County. It is located in the northern part of Illinois, about 85 miles northwest of Chicago. With a population of over 150,000, Rockford is the third most populous city in Illinois, after Chicago and Aurora. It is known as the “Forest City” due to its many parks and gardens, including the well-known Anderson Japanese Gardens. The city is also home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions, such as the Burpee Museum of Natural History, the Rockford Art Museum, and the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Joliet

Located in Will County, Joliet is the fourth largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 150,000. It is also the county seat of Will County. Joliet is known for its historic downtown, which features beautiful architecture, including the Rialto Square Theatre and the Joliet Area Historical Museum. The city is also home to Chicagoland Speedway, a popular racetrack that hosts NASCAR and IndyCar events.

Kankakee

The city of Kankakee serves as the county seat of Kankakee County and has a population of over 26,000. It is known as the “City of Lights” due to its pioneering use of electric streetlights in the late 1800s. Today, Kankakee is a hub for transportation, with a major railroad and numerous highways passing through the city. The city also boasts several parks, including the popular Kankakee River State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.

All Cities & Towns that Use “815 Area Code”: Map and Population

Here is a map showing the cities and towns that use the 815 area code, along with their respective populations as of the 2020 United States Census:

According to recent estimates, the total population of the 815 area code is over 2.6 million people. The largest city in the area code is Rockford, with a population of over 150,000, followed by Joliet with over 150,000 residents. Other significant cities in the 815 area code include Kankakee with a population of over 26,000, Machesney Park with over 22,000, and Loves Park with over 23,000 residents.

Geography and Climate of the 815 Area Code

The 815 area code is located in the northern and western parts of Illinois, and it covers both urban and rural areas. The region is mostly flat, with the exception of the Rock River Valley and the Fox River Valley. It is bordered by Wisconsin to the north, Iowa to the west, Indiana to the east, and the Chicago metropolitan area to the south.

The climate in the 815 area code is considered humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months ranges from 70-85°F, while in the winter, the average temperature ranges from 20-35°F. The region receives an average of 36 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority of it falling as rain in the summer months.

Tourist Attractions in the 815 Area Code

The 815 area code has a lot to offer for tourists, from natural attractions to historical landmarks. Here are some popular tourist destinations in the region:

Starved Rock State Park

Located in Utica, Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is a natural oasis with breathtaking views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The park is named after a Native American legend and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House

Located in Rockford, Illinois, the Laurent House is a unique architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1952 and is the only house in the state of Illinois designed by Wright that is open for public tours.

Illinois Railway Museum

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois, is the largest railway museum in the United States. It features over 450 pieces of equipment, including trains from different eras and countries, making it a must-visit for train enthusiasts.

Education in the 815 Area Code

The 815 area code is served by several school districts, with the majority of them falling under the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) District 1. Some of the largest school districts in the area code include Rockford Public Schools, Joliet Public Schools, and Kankakee School District.

Higher education options in the 815 area code include Northern Illinois University, based in DeKalb, and Lewis University located in Romeoville. Other notable institutions in the area code include Rock Valley College, Joliet Junior College, and Kishwaukee College.

Healthcare in the 815 Area Code

The 815 area code is home to several hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing quality care to residents. Some of the largest hospitals in the area code include OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, and Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

In addition to these major hospitals, there are also numerous smaller healthcare facilities, including clinics, urgent care centers, and nursing homes, providing accessible healthcare options for the community.

Government and Administration of the 815 Area Code

The 815 area code is represented by Illinois’ 16th and 17th congressional districts in the United States House of Representatives. It is also represented by five state senators, 11 state representatives, and multiple county boards, city councils, and village boards.

The city of Rockford operates under a mayor-council form of government, while counties in the 815 area code have a board-chairman form of government. Other cities and towns in the area code have a council-manager form of government.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions related to the 815 area code:

Q: What is the current population of the 815 area code?

As of the 2020 United States Census, the total population of the 815 area code is over 2.6 million.

Q: When was the 815 area code assigned?

The 815 area code was assigned in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

Q: Is the 815 area code in a different time zone than Chicago?

No, the entire state of Illinois, including the 815 area code, is in the Central Time Zone, the same as Chicago.

Q: Are there any major airports in the 815 area code?

Yes, there are several airports serving the 815 area code, including Chicago Rockford International Airport, Joliet Regional Airport, and Kankakee County Regional Airport.

Q: What are some popular festivals and events in the 815 area code?

Some popular festivals and events in the 815 area code include On the Waterfront in Rockford, Heritage Fest in Joliet, and the Kankakee County Fair in Kankakee.