Geographic Coverage & Key Cities

The 804 area code spans the eastern and central part of Virginia, covering roughly 1.6 million residents across 14 counties. It includes the state capital, Richmond, and extends across Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Petersburg, and parts of Caroline and Charles City counties.

As the population grew, the 686 overlay area code was introduced on February 1, 2024, ensuring plenty of available numbers without changing existing ones.

Created in 1973 as a split from the original 703 area code, which once covered the entire state of Virginia, the 804 area code initially served most of eastern Virginia. This change was part of the nationwide effort to accommodate the increasing demand for telephone numbers as population and telecommunications usage grew. In 1996, the 757 area code was introduced to serve the Tidewater region, and in 2001, the 434 area code was created for the south-central and southwestern parts of the state. These splits reduced the geographic coverage of 804, focusing it more narrowly on central Virginia, particularly the Greater Richmond area.

Today, the 804 region has developed into a dynamic hub of government, logistics, finance, education, and healthcare industries. As a result, the 804 area code remains a recognizable and powerful signal of local presence for businesses targeting Virginia customers.

Key Economic Zones & Business Hubs

Richmond is both the state capital and a growing economic force in the Mid-Atlantic. The surrounding region includes vibrant suburban communities, logistics corridors, and heritage tourism destinations—all connected by the 804 area code.

  • Richmond: State government, legal services, finance, and corporate HQs
  • Henrico/Chesterfield: Suburban business parks, logistics, and healthcare
  • Petersburg: Manufacturing and heritage tourism
  • Mechanicsville: Small business and retail growth corridor
  • State and Federal Government Services
  • Education (VCU, University of Richmond)
  • Healthcare (VCU Health, Bon Secours)
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Tourism and History-Driven Business

Time Zone & Business Impact

The 804 area code follows the Eastern Time Zone, switching between EST (UTC-5) and EDT (UTC-4) during daylight saving time. This puts businesses in sync with major markets across the East Coast, making scheduling and communication easier for both local and national operations.

It also ensures seamless alignment with government offices, financial institutions, and healthcare providers—key sectors that drive central Virginia’s economy. For businesses coordinating with partners in D.C., New York, or Atlanta, this shared time zone reduces delays, missed calls, and scheduling confusion.

Time Zone Advantages

  • Aligned with East Coast: Seamless coordination with NYC, DC, and Boston
  • Ideal for Financial Services: Matches market hours for banks, investors, and legal teams
  • Tourism-Friendly Timing: Consistent availability during high-travel seasons
  • AI Syncing: Automated systems adjust to daylight saving changes without needing manual reconfiguration
  • Government & Legal Coordination: Reliable communication with local and federal agencies