872 Area Code

The 872 area code is a telephone area that covers most of Chicago, Illinois. It was first established in 2009 as an overlay for the 312 and 773 area codes. This means that callers within the 872 area code must dial the total 10-digit number (area code + seven-digit number) to complete a call. The area code is in Cook County, Illinois’s most populous county. It is home to over 5 million people and is a significant business, commerce, and tourism hub.

Area Code City Names

The 872 area code covers various cities within Cook County, including Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States. Other cities within the above-given area code include Oak Park, Evanston, Cicero, Skokie, and Des Plaines. The above-given area code also covers parts of other nearby counties such as DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, and Lake. This area code is primarily located in the northeastern region of Illinois.

Counties that Use 872 Area Code

The 872 area code is primarily located within Cook County but covers parts of neighboring counties such as DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, and Lake. Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois, with a population of over 5 million people. It is also the second most populous county in the entire United States. The counties covered by the above-given area code are known for their diversity, culture, and economic growth.

Major Cities that Use 872 Area Code

The three major cities that use the 872 area code are Chicago, Oak Park, and Evanston. Chicago is the largest and most populous city in Illinois, with over 2.7 million people. Oak Park is a suburban village located just west of Chicago, with approximately 52,000 people. Evanston is a city located north of Chicago, with over 75,000 people. These three cities are known for their vibrant culture, diverse communities, and thriving economies.

All Cities & Towns that Use 872 Area Code

Aside from Chicago, Oak Park, and Evanston, several other cities and towns fall within the 872 area code. These include Cicero, Skokie, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Addison, Northlake, La Grange, and Oak Brook. The 872 area code also covers parts of other nearby counties such as DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, and Lake. With such a diverse range of cities and towns, the 872 area code is known for its dynamic and vibrant communities.

Population

The total population of the 872 area code is approximately 6.6 million, with the majority residing in Chicago. Chicago is home to over 2.7 million people, making it the third-largest city in the United States. Oak Park has a population of approximately 52,000, Evanston has a population of over 75,000, and Cicero has a population of over 83,000. The remaining cities and towns within the 872 area code have smaller populations, ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands.

Geography

As mentioned earlier, the 872 area code is primarily located within Cook County, which is in the northeastern Illinois region. The county is bounded by Lake Michigan to the east, characterized by its flat terrain and sprawling urban landscape. The area is also home to several forest preserves and parks, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreation. The areas covered by the 872 area code are known for their urban neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and historic architecture.

Climate

The 872 area code experiences a humid continental climate characterized by hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. Average temperatures range from 18°F (-7°C) in winter to 84°F (29°C) in summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 39 inches of rain and 35 inches of snow annually. Chicago is known for its cold and snowy winters and beautiful and mild summers, making it an ideal tourist destination.

Tourist Attractions

The 872 area code houses various tourist attractions for all ages and interests. Some of the top tourist attractions in Chicago include the iconic Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Oak Park is known for its beloved writer, Ernest Hemingway, and his home and museum are popular tourist attractions. Evanston is home to Northwestern University, which annually offers various cultural and sporting events.

Education

The 872 area code covers several prestigious academic institutions, including the University of Chicago, Loyola University, and DePaul University. These universities are well-known for their academic excellence, research programs, and diverse student bodies. The area code also encompasses several public and private schools, providing students with high-quality education options.

Healthcare

The 872 area code is home to several top-ranked hospitals, such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Christ Medical Center. These hospitals are renowned for their medical advancements, expertise, and patient care, making Illinois’s 872 area code a hub for healthcare excellence.

Government and Administration

The 872 area code falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Chicago government, with a mayor and city council overseeing the city’s administration. Cook County also has its own elected county board president and board of commissioners, who govern the county and its various departments, such as health and human services, finance, transportation, and public works.

Area Codes and Zip Codes

As mentioned earlier, the 872 area code overlays for the 312 and 773 area codes. An overlay is a telecommunications method where a new area code is assigned to the same geographic area as an existing one. This method avoids splitting existing area codes into multiple ones, which can cause inconvenience and confusion for residents and businesses.

The zip codes within the 872 area code include 60601-60641, 60643-60649, 60651-60659, 60677, 60680-60681, 60684-60687, 60689-60697, and 60699. These zip codes are used for mail delivery and the new requirement of dialing the 10-digit number for calls within the 872 area code.

Recent Changes and Updates

In December 2020, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a new area code (873) to be used as an overlay for the 872 area code. This new area code was created to ensure that there are enough phone numbers to meet the growing demand for landline and wireless services. This means that new phone numbers within the 872 area code will be assigned the new area code 873. This change is expected to take effect in the latter half of 2021.

Conclusion

The 872 area code is a diverse and vibrant area in Cook County, Illinois. It covers most of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with a population of over 6.6 million. The area is known for its cultural attractions, educational institutions, and top-ranked healthcare facilities. With the recent changes and updates to the area code, the 872 area code is expected to continue growing and evolving along with its residents and businesses.

FAQs

1. Will I need to change my area code if I already have an 872 number?

No, the new overlay will not affect existing phone numbers within the 872 area code and will retain their current area code.

2. How can I determine which area code a specific city or town falls under?

You can use various online tools and websites, such as area codes and zip codes lookup, to find out which area code a city or town is located in.

3. Will I need to dial the total 10-digit number for local calls within the 872 area code?

Yes, with the introduction of the new overlay, all local calls within the 872 area code will require the use of the total 10-digit number.

4. How will the new overlay affect businesses within the 872 area code?

Businesses using the 872 area code will not need to change their phone numbers but may need to update their marketing materials and mention the new overlay when communicating with customers.

5. Are international calls affected by the new overlay?

No, international calls remain the same and will require the standard 011 country code before dialing the country-specific area code and number.