What is 617 Area Code?

The 617 area code is one of the original 86 North American Numbering Plan (NANP) codes created in 1947. It primarily serves the city of Boston, Massachusetts, along with its inner suburbs. 

This area code was the sole number for all of Massachusetts for nearly 40 years before being split in 1988 to accommodate the growing population and demand for new phone numbers. It covers a dense and highly populated region, providing businesses with the chance to establish a strong local presence in a major economic and cultural hub.

  • State: Massachusetts
  • Major Cities: Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville, Brookline
  • Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET)
  • Established: 1947
  • Overlay Area Codes: 857
  • Region Population: Approx. 1.2 million (in Boston and surrounding areas)
  • Primary Uses: Business numbers, residential lines, mobile services, and VoIP connections

Population & Demographics of 617 Area Code

The 617 area code region is a diverse mix of urban communities with a powerful economic presence. As the capital of Massachusetts and a major hub for education and healthcare, Boston is home to a varied workforce and a significant student population. 

The surrounding cities, like Cambridge, are renowned for their technology and biotech industries, drawing professionals and entrepreneurs from around the globe. This area has a strong and varied workforce, creating a huge customer base that values local accessibility and convenience. For businesses, this means a large and dynamic market to tap into.

617 Area Code Time Zone

The area code 617 time zone operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET) of the United States. This zone is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC−5) and observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting to UTC−4 during the summer months.