What is 279 Area Code?

The 279 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) serving Northern California, including the capital city of Sacramento. Introduced in 2018 as an overlay to the 916 area code, the 279 code provides additional numbering options for businesses and residents in the region, making it valuable for companies looking to establish a strong local presence.

  • State: California
  • Major Cities: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Davis, Rocklin, Lincoln
  • Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST) / Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
  • Established: 2018 
  • Overlay Area Code: 916
  • Region Population: Approx. 2.3 million
  • Primary Uses: Local business lines, residential calls, VoIP, and mobile numbers

Regions Covered by 279 Area Code

The 279 area code spans a large portion of Northern California, covering Sacramento and several nearby counties. It includes both metropolitan centers and suburban communities, making it a vital region for businesses seeking to establish a local presence. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of cities covered by the 279 area code:

Sacramento County
  • Sacramento
  • Citrus Heights
  • Folsom
  • Elk Grove
  • Rancho Cordova
  • Galt
Placer County
  • Roseville
  • Lincoln
  • Loomis
  • Rocklin
  • Auburn
  • Colfax
El Dorado County
  • El Dorado Hills
  • Cameron Park
  • Pollock Pines
  • Placerville
  • Shingle Springs
Yolo County
  • West Sacramento
  • Davis
  • Woodland
  • Winters
Sutter County
  • Pleasant Grove

Population & Demographics of 279 Area Code

The 279 area code serves northern and central California, primarily covering Sacramento and surrounding metropolitan areas. This region has a population of over 2.3 million residents, including government workers, tech professionals, students, and families. 

Demographically, it is one of the most diverse areas in California, with significant White, Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities. The presence of universities, government offices, and corporate hubs contributes to a youthful, vibrant mix of professionals and families, making the 279 area code a center of cultural and economic growth.

279 Area Code Time Zone

The 279 area code operates in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). This time zone aligns with cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Standard time is observed as UTC -8, and during daylight saving time, the offset shifts to UTC -7.