517 Area Code
The 517 area code is in Michigan and covers parts of the southern and central regions. It was first introduced in 1947 as one of the original area codes and has since served a large portion of the state. The 517 area code is bordered by area codes 248, 989, and 734. It covers 26 counties, including parts of Ingham, Jackson, and Eaton counties, and has an estimated population of over 1 million. Let’s dive deeper into the cities, towns, and counties under the 517 area code and some vital information about the area.
Cities Covered by 517 Area Code
The 517 area code covers 22 cities and towns in Michigan. These include the capital city of Lansing and other major cities such as Jackson, Coldwater, and Adrian. The area code also covers smaller towns like Charlotte, Portland, and Eaton Rapids. Let’s look closely at some of the major cities and their characteristics within the 517 area code.
Lansing
Lansing, also known as the “Heart of Michigan,” is the capital of Michigan and the largest city within the 517 area code. It is home to about 120,000 residents and has a rich history as an agriculture, manufacturing, and state government centre. Lansing is also home to several colleges and universities, including Michigan State University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and Lansing Community College. The city also offers various cultural and recreational attractions like the Michigan State Capitol Building, Potter Park Zoo, and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
Jackson
Jackson is a city of over 33,000 people in the 517 area code. It was founded in 1829 and has grown as a major railway junction and industrial centre for automobile production. Jackson is also known as the birthplace of the Republican Party and has a rich history with the Underground Railroad. The city has several cultural and historical attractions, including the Michigan Theatre, Ella Sharp Museum, and the Cascades Falls Park. It is also home to Jackson College and Baker College.
Coldwater
Coldwater is a smaller city in Branch County within the 517 area code. It has about 10,000 people and was named after the Coldwater River that runs through the town. Coldwater has a thriving agricultural industry and is home to the Tibbits Opera House, the second oldest theatre in Michigan. The city also boasts several outdoor recreational opportunities, including Heritage Park and the Coldwater Chain of Lakes.
Counties in the 517 Area Code
The 517 area code covers a total of 26 counties in Michigan. This includes a portion of 14 counties and the entire area of 12 counties. Some counties partially under the 517 area code include Ingham, Jackson, and Eaton. Here is a list of all the counties and their characteristics that use the 517 area code:
Ingham County
Ingham County is the largest county within the 517 area code, with over 290,000 people. It covers the cities of Lansing, East Lansing, and portions of Mason and Williamston. Ingham County has several colleges and universities, including Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. It also boasts several parks and nature reserves, such as Sleepy Hollow State Park and Fenner Nature Center.
Jackson County
Jackson County is the second-largest county in the 517 area code, with over 158,000 people. It covers the entire city of Jackson and portions of Grass Lake, Napoleon, and Vandercook Lake. Jackson County has a rich history, including ties to the Underground Railroad and the birthplace of the Republican Party. It is home to Jackson College and has several recreational opportunities, including Ella Sharp Park and the Dahlem Environmental Education Center.
Eaton County
Eaton County is a smaller county within the 517 area code, with over 107,000 people. It covers the cities of Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, and portions of Dimondale and Waverly. Eaton County has a strong agricultural presence and a growing industrial sector. It offers various recreational opportunities, such as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and the Grand Woods Park.
Major Cities in the 517 Area Code
The 517 area code encompasses several major cities in Michigan, many of which have unique characteristics and things to do. Some of these cities have been mentioned previously, so let’s focus on a few others that are also worth mentioning:
Adrian
Adrian is a small city located in Lenawee County, with a population of about 20,000 people. It is known for its historic downtown district, which offers unique shopping and dining experiences. Adrian also has a strong arts and culture scene, with the Croswell Opera House and the Adrian Symphony Orchestra. The city is also home to Siena Heights University and Adrian College.
Mason
Mason is a smaller city located in Ingham County, with a population of over 8,000 people. It is known for its historic courthouse and downtown district, which offers a variety of unique shops and restaurants. Mason is also home to the Ingham County Fair, one of the state’s largest county fairs. The city also boasts several parks and nature reserves, including Rayner Park and Cedar Creek State Park.
Portland
Portland is a small city located in Ionia County, with a population of over 3,800 people. It is known as “The City of Two Rivers” because of its location at the confluence of the Looking Glass and Grand Rivers. Portland has a strong agricultural presence and is home to the annual Great Lakes Folk Festival. The city also offers various recreational opportunities, such as the Portland River Trail and the Portland Area Historical Society Museum.
The population of the 517 Area Code
| County | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| Ingham County | 290,406 |
| Jackson County | 158,823 |
| Eaton County | 107,759 |
| Clinton County | 77,430 |
| Hillsdale County | 45,941 |
| Lenawee County | 99,892 |
| Calhoun County | 134,786 |
| Branch County | 45,898 |
| Shiawassee County | 68,857 |
| Livingston County | 192,270 |
| Barry County | 60,269 |
| Washtenaw County | 358,880 |
| Tuscola County | 52,438 |
| Montcalm County | 62,985 |
| Gratiot County | 41,671 |
| Kalamazoo County | 260,263 |
| Van Buren County | 75,202 |
| Mecosta County | 43,151 |
| Ionia County | 66,072 |
| Otsego County | 24,742 |
| Allegan County | 111,408 |
| Kent County | 636,369 |
| Oakland County | 1,253,854 |
| Genesee County | 405,813 |
| Sanilac County | 41,391 |
| Lapeer County | 88,373 |
Geography and Climate of the 517 Area Code
The 517 area code has a diverse geography, with generally flat and fertile land in the southern portion and rolling hills in the northern part of the area code. The Grand River traverses through a large portion of the area, and the area is also home to several other rivers and lakes. The climate in the 517 area code is considered humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 80°F, while the average temperature in the winter is around 25°F.