561 area code

The 561 area code covers a large portion of South Florida’s Palm Beach County, located on the state’s east coast. With a total estimated population of 1.5 million as of 2020, Palm Beach County is one of the most populous counties in Florida. The area code encompasses 44 cities and towns, including major cities such as West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach. Its diverse population and vibrant culture make it a popular destination for visitors and a desirable place to live for residents. In this article, we will explore all there is to know about the 561 area code and the cities and towns within it.

Cities and Towns in the 561 Area Code

The 561 area code covers a large geographic area, encompassing 2,578 square miles of Palm Beach County. It is bounded by the 772 area code to the north, the 954 and 754 area codes to the south, and the 772 and 863 area codes to the west. Here is a list of the major cities and towns within the 561 area code, along with their populations and zip codes:

• West Palm Beach (population of 113,284) – Zip codes: 33401, 33403, 33405, 33406, 33407, 33409, 33411, 33412, 33413, 33414, 33415, 33417, 33418, 33426, 33435, 33458, 33461, 33462, 33463, 33467, 33472, 33473
• Boca Raton (population of 99,805) – Zip codes: 33428, 33431, 33432, 33433, 33434, 33486, 33487, 33496, 33498
• Boynton Beach (population of 78,679) – Zip codes: 33426, 33435, 33436, 33437
• Delray Beach (population of 69,451) – Zip codes: 33444, 33445, 33483, 33484
• Jupiter (population of 64,974) – Zip codes: 33458, 33469, 33477, 33478
• Wellington (population of 64,489) – Zip codes: 33411, 33414, 33449
• Palm Beach Gardens (population of 57,704) – Zip codes: 33403, 33408, 33410, 33418
• Greenacres (population of 53,288) – Zip codes: 33413, 33463, 33467
• Royal Palm Beach (population of 41,162) – Zip codes: 33412, 33411, 33470
• North Palm Beach (population of 13,226) – Zip code: 33408

Fun Fact: The City of Boca Raton is home to the main campus of Florida Atlantic University, which has a student population of over 30,000.

List of All Cities and Towns in the 561 Area Code

In addition to the major cities and towns listed above, there are 34 other cities and towns within the 561 area code. They are as follows (in alphabetical order):

Atlantis, Belle Glade, Briny Breezes, Cloud Lake, Golf, Glen Ridge, Gulf Stream, Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana, Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Village of Golf, Village of North Palm Beach, Village of Palm Springs, Westlake

Some of these cities and towns may be lesser known, but each has its own unique charm and character. Overall, the 561 area code offers a diverse range of locations for both residents and tourists to explore.

Map of the 561 Area Code

To get a better sense of the area covered by the 561 area code, take a look at this map:

As you can see, the 561 area code encompasses a large portion of Palm Beach County, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the eastern edge of Lake Okeechobee. The cities and towns are well spread out, and the area is home to a mix of urban and rural areas.

Population and Demographics

The current estimated population of the 561 area code is around 1.5 million people, with a median age of 43.5 years. The racial makeup of the area is diverse, with the following percentages (as of 2020 data):

• White: 64.4%
• Black or African American: 20.5%
• Hispanic or Latino: 19.2%
• Asian: 4.4%
• Two or more races: 1.8%
• Native American: 0.3%

The median household income in the 561 area code is $66,250, with a poverty rate of 10.8%. The cost of living varies depending on the city or town, but overall, the cost of living index for the 561 area code is 112, which is slightly above the national average of 100.

Geography and Climate

The geography of the 561 area code is diverse, with a mix of urban and rural areas. The eastern edge of the area is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, providing beautiful beaches and ocean views. The western edge of the area is more rural, with farms and agricultural land.

In terms of climate, the 561 area code has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January is around 67°F, while the average temperature in July is around 83°F. The area is known for its year-round sunshine, with an average of 238 sunny days per year.

Tourist Attractions

The 561 area code is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of the top tourist attractions in the area:

• Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – This zoo is home to over 600 animals from around the world and offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
• Henry Morrison Flagler Museum – This historic mansion turned museum showcases the extravagant lifestyle of Gilded Age industrialist Henry Flagler and his family.
• Mizner Park – Located in downtown Boca Raton, Mizner Park is an upscale shopping and dining complex with a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
• Sandoway Discovery Center – This unique nature center in Delray Beach offers interactive exhibits and programs that showcase Florida’s coastal ecosystems and wildlife.
• Wakodahatchee Wetlands – This man-made wetland park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and turtles, in their natural habitat.

Education

The 561 area code is home to a number of highly-ranked public and private schools, as well as several institutions of higher education.

For K-12 education, the public school districts in the 561 area code include the School District of Palm Beach County and the School District of the City of West Palm Beach. Both districts offer a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities for students.

For higher education, the main campus of Florida Atlantic University is located in Boca Raton, while Palm Beach State College has campuses in Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, and Belle Glade.

Healthcare

The 561 area code has several highly-ranked hospitals and healthcare systems, offering a range of medical services and specialties. Some of the top healthcare providers in the area include:

• Good Samaritan Medical Center
• Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
• Delray Medical Center
• West Boca Medical Center
• Wellington Regional Medical Center

Government and Administration

The 561 area code is governed by Palm Beach County and its county seat, West Palm Beach. The county is divided into seven commission districts, each with a Commissioner elected by voters in that district.

The City of West Palm Beach operates under a Mayor-Council form of government, with the Mayor and five City Commissioners elected by voters. The city provides essential services such as police and fire protection, public works, parks and recreation, and zoning and development regulation.

FAQs About the 561 Area Code

1. Why is it called the 561 area code?

The 561 area code was created in 1996 when it split from the 407 area code. The new area code was chosen to represent the area’s location along the 26th parallel north, which is known as the 561st line of longitude.

2. Are there any upcoming changes or additions to the 561 area code?

As of now, there are no planned changes to the 561 area code. However, due to population growth and increased demand for phone numbers, it is possible that an overlay area code may be added in the future.

3. Do I need to dial the area code when making local calls within the 561 area code?

Yes, the 561 area code requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, even for local calls within the same area code. This is due to the implementation of new area codes within Palm Beach County, such as 954 and 754.

4. Can I keep my phone number if I move to a different city or town within the 561 area code?

Yes, you can keep your phone number regardless of where you move within the 561 area code. This is because the area code covers a large geographic area, and phone numbers are not tied to specific cities or towns.

5. Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about the 561 area code?

For general questions or concerns about the 561 area code, you can contact your phone service provider. If you have concerns about a specific phone number or any suspicious activity, you can also contact your local law enforcement.

In Conclusion

The 561 area code encompasses a diverse and vibrant region of South Florida. From bustling cities to peaceful small towns, there is something for everyone within this area. As the population continues to grow, the 561 area code will likely see even more development and changes in the future.