989 Area Code
The “989” area code is a telephone area code in Michigan, covering areas in the central and northern portions of the state. It was established in 2001 as a split from the existing “517 area code” to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region. The “989” area code covers 36 counties and is home to over 1.5 million people. It is one of the largest area codes in Michigan in terms of geographic coverage and population served.
What cities fall under the “989 area code”?
Several major cities in Michigan use the “989” area code, including Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, and Mount Pleasant. In addition, the “989” area code also includes smaller cities and towns such as Alpena, Alma, Caro, Clare, Gladwin, and Tawas City. Some portions of Flint, Lansing, and St. Johns also use the “989” area code.
Which counties in Michigan use the “989 area code”?
The “989” area code covers parts of 36 counties in Michigan, making it one of the largest area codes in the state. These counties include Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Mackinac, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola.
What are the major cities in Michigan that use the “989” area code?
Four major cities in Michigan use the “989” area code: Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, and Mount Pleasant. These cities are all located in the central and northern parts of the state and serve as economic, cultural, and educational hubs for the region.
Population and demographics
The “989 area code” is home to over 1.5 million people, making it one of Michigan’s most populous area codes. The population in this region is predominantly white, with a small percentage of African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents. The median household income in the “989 area code” is slightly lower than the national average, but the cost of living is also lower in this region.
Regarding age demographics, the “989 area code” has a relatively older population, with a median age of 43.5 years. This is higher than the national median age of 38.2 years. The region also has a slightly higher percentage of senior citizens (65 years and older) than the national average.
Geography and climate
The “989 area code” covers a diverse landscape, including parts of the Northern Lower Peninsula and the eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula. Rolling hills, forests, and numerous inland lakes and rivers characterize the region.
The “989 area code” climate is considered humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average temperature in the winter is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The region also receives an average of 40 inches of snowfall during winter.
Tourist attractions
The “989 area code” has a variety of attractions that draw visitors from all over Michigan and beyond. Some of the top tourist destinations in this area include:
- Frankenmuth – a popular tourist destination known for its Bavarian-style architecture and shops, as well as its annual Bavarian Festival
- Midland – home to the Dow Gardens, a botanical garden featuring over 110 acres of stunning gardens, as well as the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, a National Historic Landmark
- Tawas City – a coastal town on Lake Huron known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking
- Alpena – a historic city on Lake Huron with numerous cultural and historical sites, as well as outdoor attractions such as the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Soo Locks – located in Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks allow boats to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes and are a popular tourist destination.
Education
The “989 area code” is served by several school districts and higher education institutions. Some of this area’s largest and most well-known school districts include Saginaw Public Schools, Bay City Public Schools, and Midland Public Schools. In addition, several universities and colleges are in the “989 area code”, including Saginaw Valley State University, Delta College, Northwood University, and Central Michigan University.
The education systems in this area strongly focus on career and technical education, with many high schools offering programs in fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. The colleges and universities in this region also provide a variety of degree programs in these fields, as well as others.
Healthcare
The “989 area code” has multiple healthcare systems and hospitals that serve the population. Some of the largest and most well-known healthcare providers in this area include Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital (Saginaw), McLaren Bay Region Hospital (Bay City), and MidMichigan Medical Center (Midland). In addition to these large hospitals, there are several smaller clinics and medical centers throughout the region.
The region also strongly focuses on improving access to healthcare in rural areas. Many healthcare providers in the “989 area code” offer telemedicine services and have mobile clinics that travel to remote areas to provide medical care.
Government and administration
The “989 area code” is covered by multiple state and local government agencies. The state of Michigan has a representative in the US House of Representatives who represents the interests of all residents in the “989 area code” and other areas of the state. In addition, each city and town in the “989 area code” has its local government, with elected officials and departments that handle issues specific to their area.
The Michigan state government also has agencies that serve the entire state, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Education, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These agencies provide services and resources to residents of the “989 area code” and other parts of the state.
Conclusion
The “989 area code” is an important part of Michigan, covering a diverse region with a rich history and numerous attractions. As the population and demands for phone numbers continue to grow, the “989 area code” may see changes in the future. Still, it remains a vital part of the state’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if I dial a number within the “989 area code”?
Look for the “989” at the beginning of the phone number. All phone numbers within the “989 area code” will start with these three numbers.
Q: Will there be a time when the “989 area code” runs out of phone numbers?
As with any area code, there is a possibility that the “989 area code” will eventually run out of available phone numbers. If that happens, the state may implement a new area code or change the dialing procedures, such as using area code overlays.
Q: Can I keep my current phone number if I move within the “989 area code”?
If you move to a different city or town within the “989 area code”, you can generally keep your current phone number. However, if you move outside of the “989 area code”, you may need to get a new phone number with the area code of your new location.
Q: Are there any additional fees for calling within the “989 area code”?
No, if applicable, there are no additional fees for calling numbers within the “989 area code” beyond the usual long-distance and international rates.
Q: Are there any plans to change the “989 area code” shortly?
There are no plans to change or split the “989 area code”. However, as mentioned before, changes such as overlays or a new area code may be implemented if the demand for phone numbers increases.