#Local Number
July 29, 2026

Area Code 213: Los Angeles, California Phone Numbers

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What is Area Code 213?

Area Code 213 is a geographic telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the central portion of Los Angeles, California. Today, it primarily covers Downtown Los Angeles and nearby neighborhoods, including the Financial District, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Westlake, and the Arts District.

The area code was introduced in 1947 and originally served a much larger portion of Southern California before additional area codes were created to accommodate population growth and increased demand for telephone numbers.

Due to continued demand, Area Codes 323 and 738 now overlay the same geographic region, meaning multiple area codes serve the same area and 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls.

  • State: California 
  • Major Cities/Areas: Primarily Downtown Los Angeles and immediately adjoining neighborhoods like Koreatown, Westlake, and parts of East Los Angeles.
  • Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)/Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
  • Established: 1947 
  • Overlay Area Codes: 323 and 738 
  • Region Population: 2.3 million residents
  • Primary Uses: Local business lines, residential calls, VoIP, and mobile numbers.

What Time Zone is Area Code 213 in?

Area Code 213 operates in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which covers most of California and the U.S. West Coast.

The region observes:

  • Pacific Standard Time (PST): UTC−8 during fall and winter.
  • Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): UTC−7 during daylight saving time, typically from March through November.

Population & Demographics of Area Code 213

Area Code 213 serves Downtown Los Angeles and nearby neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Westlake, and the Arts District. The region is home to approximately 2.3 million residents and reflects Los Angeles' multicultural identity, with large Hispanic and Latino, Asian American, White, and African American communities. It is also one of the most linguistically diverse urban areas in the United States, with more than 200 languages spoken across Los Angeles County.

Demographics:

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 2.3 million
  • Median Age: Around 33 years
  • Average Household Size: Approximately 2.5 people
  • Gender Distribution: 50.34% male and 49.66% female
  • Largest Population Centers: Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, Westlake, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Arts District, South Park, and the Financial District.
  • Major Industries: Finance, entertainment, media, technology, healthcare, legal services, education, tourism, hospitality, government, and professional services.

Counties and Cities Covered by Area Code 213

Area code 213 serves Los Angeles County, primarily covering Downtown Los Angeles and nearby central neighborhoods. Here are the major counties and communities covered by Area Code 213:

Los Angeles County
  • Monterey Park
  • Huntington Park
  • Bell Gardens
  • West Hollywood
  • Bell
  • Maywood
  • South Pasadena
  • Los Angeles
  • East Los Angeles
  • Inglewood
  • Compton
  • South Gate
  • Hawthorne
  • Lynwood
  • Montebello

History & Background of Area Code 213

Area code 213 was introduced in 1947 as one of the original NANP area codes and California's first. Today, it shares the same service area in Central Los Angeles with area codes 323 and 738 to meet the growing demand for new phone numbers.

  • 1947: Area code 213 was introduced as one of the original 86 U.S. area codes and became California's first, serving much of Southern California. 
  • 1998: Area code 323 was created through a geographic split from 213 to accommodate growing demand for new phone numbers. 
  • Reason for the Split: Rapid population growth, business expansion, the rise of mobile phones, fax machines, and internet services accelerated the exhaustion of available 213 telephone numbers.
  • Overlay Expansion: On November 1, 2024, Area Code 738 was introduced as an overlay to the existing 213 and 323 service area, allowing new numbers without changing existing ones.

Why Local Numbers Build Trust?

A 213 area code gives your business a trusted local identity in Los Angeles, helping customers recognize, answer, and trust your calls. 

  • Higher Call Pickup Rates: Local numbers are more likely to be answered than unfamiliar or out-of-state calls.
  • Stronger Local Presence: Show customers your business serves the Los Angeles community, even if you operate remotely.
  • Better Local SEO: Consistent business phone numbers across your website, Google Business Profile, and directories support local search visibility.
  • Instant Customer Trust : A familiar 213 number makes customers more comfortable calling, requesting quotes, or booking services. 

GoodCall AI Phone Answering Service for 213 Area Code Businesses

Businesses across Downtown Los Angeles receive calls around the clock. GoodCall's AI voice agent answers every call professionally, automates routine conversations, reduces missed opportunities, and improves response times.

  • 24/7 AI Call Answering with a Voice Agent: GoodCall's AI phone agent answers calls around the clock, responds to common questions, captures caller information, and transfers complex conversations to your team when needed.
  • Intelligent Lead Capture & Qualification: Collect customer information, qualify leads, and route high-value enquiries to the right team.
  • AI Appointment Scheduling: Allow customers to book, reschedule, or cancel appointments without speaking to a live receptionist. 
  • CRM & Calendar Integration: Automatically sync calls, contacts, and appointments with your CRM and calendar.
  • Full Call Recording & Analytics: Review recordings, summaries, and insights to improve customer service and team performance.

How to Get a 213 Area Code Phone Number with GoodCall?

A 213 area code phone number helps businesses establish a local presence in Downtown Los Angeles and nearby communities, making them more recognizable and accessible to local customers.

Setting up a 213 phone number with GoodCall takes just a few steps:

  • Create an Account: Sign up for GoodCall using your business details.
  • Choose a Plan: Select the plan that matches your team size, expected call volume, and business requirements.
  • Verify Your Business: Complete the required business verification to meet telecommunications compliance before your number is activated.
  • Select Your Number: Choose an available 213 area code phone number that fits your business.
  • Set Up Your AI Phone Agent: Customize your AI phone agent with business hours, call routing, FAQs, appointment scheduling, and CRM or calendar integrations.
  • Start Receiving Calls: Once your setup is complete, your 213 number is ready to answer customer calls with GoodCall's AI-powered voice agent.

Nearby Area Codes to 213

Area Code 213 shares its service region with overlay area codes and is surrounded by several neighboring codes serving Greater Los Angeles and Southern California. Here are the nearby regions and their area codes:

Areas Area Code
Central Los Angeles, Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Echo Park 323
Downtown Los Angeles and Central Los Angeles (Overlay serving the same region as 213 and 323) 738
Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, West Los Angeles 310
Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, West Los Angeles (Overlay serving the same region as 310) 424
San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood 818
San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood (Overlay serving the same region as 818) 747
Long Beach, Downey, Lakewood, Whittier, Norwalk 562

FAQs

Where is Area Code 213 located?

Area Code 213 is located in Los Angeles, California, serving Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding central neighborhoods. It operates within the Pacific Time Zone (PT).

What time zone is Area Code 213?

The 213 area code is located in the Pacific Time Zone (PT) and observes Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8) during standard time and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7) during daylight saving time.

What cities are in the 213 area code?

The 213 area code serves the City of Los Angeles and more than 20 nearby cities and communities in Los Angeles County. It primarily covers Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding central neighborhoods while sharing its service area with Area Codes 323 and 738.

What state is Area Code 213 in?

Area code 213 is located entirely in the state of California. It primarily serves downtown Los Angeles and surrounding central neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles.

What counties are covered by Area Code 213?

Area code 213 covers 1 county: Los Angeles County. It serves central Los Angeles, including Downtown LA, Chinatown, Koreatown, Westlake, Echo Park, and nearby neighborhoods.

Is Area Code 213 still active?

Yes. Area code 213 remains fully active and operates as an overlay with area code 323. New telephone numbers in the service area may be assigned either 213 or 323, and 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls.

Is 213 a toll-free area code?

No. Area Code 213 is a geographic area code assigned to Los Angeles. Toll-free numbers use prefixes such as 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.

What is the population of the 213 area code?

The 213 area code serves an estimated population of 1.2 million to 2.3 million people, depending on the geographic boundaries and ZIP codes measured within its coverage area.

Is 213 an overlay area code?

No. Area Code 213 is the original geographic area code. 323 and 738 are overlay area codes that serve the same region.

When was Area Code 213 introduced?

Area Code 213 was introduced in 1947 as one of the original area codes established under the North American Numbering Plan.

Do I need a California address to get a 213 area code number?

No. Many cloud phone providers, including GoodCall, allow businesses to obtain a 213 phone number regardless of their physical location, subject to verification requirements.

Is Area Code 213 a scam?

No. Area Code 213 is a legitimate telephone area code serving Los Angeles. However, scammers can spoof any area code, including 213. Always verify unexpected callers before sharing sensitive information.

Which businesses benefit most from a local 213 number?

Businesses that regularly serve customers in Los Angeles benefit the most, including law firms, healthcare providers, real estate agencies, financial services, restaurants, hospitality businesses, home service companies, professional services, and technology companies.

Can I forward calls from my 213 number elsewhere?

Yes. GoodCall allows businesses to forward calls from a 213 number to another phone line while the AI phone agent answers, screens, or routes calls based on your preferred workflow.

How much does it cost to get a 213 area code number?

GoodCall plans start at $79 per agent per month, including a local business phone number, an AI phone agent, unlimited calling minutes, and AI-powered call automation.

© Goodcall 2026. All right reserved.

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