903 area code

The “903 area code” is a telephone area code used for the northeast region of Texas, including cities such as Tyler, Longview, Paris, and Texarkana. It was created in 1990 as a split from the existing 214 area code, and it covers 26 counties. As of 2019, the “903 area code” has an estimated population of 1.4 million people.

What counties use the “903 area code”?

The following counties use the “903 area code”:

• Anderson
• Bowie
• Camp
• Cass
• Cherokee
• Delta
• Fannin
• Franklin
• Gregg
• Harrison
• Henderson
• Hopkins
• Hunt
• Johnson
• Kaufman
• Lamar
• Morris
• Nacogdoches
• Panola
• Rains
• Red River
• Rusk
• Smith
• Taylor
• Camp, Titus, Upshur
• Van Zandt

What major cities use the “903 area code”?

The two major cities that use the “903 area code” are Tyler and Longview. Tyler is known as the “Rose Capital of the World” and is home to the annual Texas Rose Festival. It has a population of around 105,729 people and is the county seat of Smith County. Longview, located in Gregg County, has a population of approximately 84,118 people and is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

What other cities and towns use the “903 area code”?

In addition to Tyler and Longview, there are many other cities and towns that use the “903 area code”. Some of these include:

• Paris – the county seat of Lamar County and known for its Eiffel Tower replica
• Texarkana – a twin city that spans both Texas and Arkansas
• Sulphur Springs – known for its annual Hopkins County Fall Festival
• Greenville – home of the Hunt County Fair and the largest city in Hunt County
• Mount Pleasant – the home of the Titus County Fair and Rodeo
• Mineola – known for its antique shops and “Nature’s Playground” state park
• Canton – famous for its First Monday Trade Days, the largest flea market in the world
• Marshall – the county seat of Harrison County and home to the annual Fire Ant Festival
• Malakoff – a small town known for its spring wildflowers and antique shopping
• Kilgore – the location of the East Texas Oil Museum and the Texas Shakespeare Festival

Map of the “903 area code” and its cities and towns

Demographics and Geography

The “903 area code” spans across the Piney Woods region of East Texas, covering approximately 12,408 square miles. This area is known for its rolling hills, forests, and lakes. The largest cities in the “903 area code” are Tyler and Longview, which have a population density of 1,068 and 1,306 people per square mile, respectively. The total population of the “903 area code” is 1,487,895, and the racial makeup of this region is 71.2% White, 10.5% African American, 0.9% Native American, and 1.7% Asian.

Climate

The “903 area code” has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months (June-August) is around 93°F, while the average low temperature in the winter months (December-February) is around 36°F. The area receives an average of 45 inches of rain per year, with the majority falling in the spring and early summer. Snowfall is rare, with an average of only 2 inches per year.

Tourist Attractions

The “903 area code” has many attractions that draw visitors from all over the country. Some popular attractions include:

• East Texas Oil Museum – Kilgore
• Texas Rose Festival – Tyler
• First Monday Trade Days – Canton
• Fire Ant Festival – Marshall
• Texas Shakespeare Festival – Kilgore
• Texas State Railroad – Rusk
• Caddo Lake State Park – Karnack
• Wildlife Management Areas – various locations
• Antique shopping – Mineola
• Wineries – various locations

Education

The “903 area code” is home to several colleges and universities, including:

• University of Texas at Tyler – Tyler
• LeTourneau University – Longview
• East Texas Baptist University – Marshall
• Texas A&M University – Commerce
• Trinity Valley Community College – Athens
• Tyler Junior College – Tyler
• Texarkana College – Texarkana

Healthcare

The “903 area code” has several top-rated hospitals and healthcare systems, including:

• CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System – Tyler
• Longview Regional Medical Center – Longview
• CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System – Longview
• East Texas Medical Center – Tyler
• Baylor Scott & White – Palestine
• Titus Regional Medical Center – Mount Pleasant

Government and Administration

The “903 area code” is divided into 26 counties, each with its own county seat and governing body. The largest city in the “903 area code” is Tyler, which has a mayor-council form of government. The Texas state government is located in the capital city of Austin, and the United States government is located in Washington D.C. Residents of the “903 area code” are represented by various state and national representatives and senators.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in the “903 area code”

The “903 area code” has several overlay area codes that were created to accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers. These include 430, 469, and 972. Some of the main cities and towns in the “903 area code” have the following zip codes:

• Tyler – 75701-75713
• Longview – 75601-75615
• Paris – 75460-75462
• Texarkana – 75501-75503
• Sulphur Springs – 75482
• Greenville – 75401-75404
• Mount Pleasant – 75455, 75456
• Mineola – 75773
• Canton – 75103
• Marshall – 75670-75672
• Malakoff – 75148
• Kilgore – 75662

Recent Changes and Updates

In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new three-digit suicide hotline number (988) that will go into effect in 2022. This means that residents in the “903 area code” will need to start dialing 10 digits (area code + phone number) for local calls. This change is also known as “all call mandatory 10-digit local dialing” and will ensure that the new 988 number can be implemented without disrupting local calls within the “903 area code”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if I need to dial 10 digits for local calls in the “903 area code”?

A: Beginning in 2022, all calls within the “903 area code” will require 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number). To test if you need to dial 10 digits, try calling a local number without including the area code. If the call does not go through, you will need to dial 10 digits beginning in 2022.

Q: Will my phone number change if I already have a number with the “903 area code”?

A: No, your phone number will not change. The new 10-digit dialing rule only affects how you dial local calls within the “903 area code”, not the actual phone numbers themselves. If you need a new phone number, you may be assigned a different area code.

Q: Will the “903 area code” be split again in the future?

A: There is currently no plan to split the “903 area code” again. However, as the demand for phone numbers increases, another overlay area code may be added in the future.

Q: How can I find out who owns a phone number in the “903 area code”?

A: You can conduct a reverse phone number lookup online to find out who owns a phone number in the “903 area code”. There are also several phone number search websites and apps available.

Q: What do I need to do if I have a fax machine or alarm system that uses a “903 area code” number?

A: It is important to update any equipment or devices that use a “903 area code” number with the new 10-digit dialing rule. This includes fax machines, alarm systems, and any other devices that use a phone number to operate. Contact your service provider for more information.

Q: How do long-distance calls work with the new 988 suicide hotline number?

A: Long-distance calls outside of the “903 area code” will not be affected by the new 988 suicide hotline number. The new number is only for local calls within the “903 area code”. You will still need to dial 1 + area code + phone number for long-distance calls to other area codes.

Q: Who should I contact for help or more information about the new 10-digit dialing rule?

A: For more information or assistance with the new 10-digit dialing rule, you can contact your telephone service provider or the FCC.

Conclusion

The “903 area code” is a diverse and vibrant part of Texas, with many cities and towns that offer unique attractions and experiences. Whether you live