Where is Area Code 253?
Area Code 253 primarily serves parts of western Washington State, focusing on urban and suburban regions. It covers much of Pierce County and some neighboring areas. Major localities within this dialing area include:
- Tacoma
- Federal Way
- Puyallup
- Auburn (portions)
- Lakewood
- University Place
- Spanaway
- Edgewood
Individuals seeking more detailed geographic information for residential or commercial planning may consult the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) at 1300 S Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98504. Additional local economic development information for these communities is available on the Washington State Department of Commerce website.
What Time Zone Is 253 Area Code in the USA?
The 253 area code is located in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). This region adheres to regular daylight saving time observance, moving clocks forward each spring and backward every fall in alignment with federal standards. For updated details on the beginning and end of daylight saving, visit resources from Pacific Time guidelines.
In general, the official time changes occur:
- Second Sunday in March: Clocks move forward by one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time.
- First Sunday in November: Clocks revert back by one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time.
Adhering to these guidelines allows citizens and businesses to align with nationwide scheduling practices and maintain consistency in commerce.
History of the 253 Area Code
Area Code 253 was established in 1997 following a split from Area Code 206. This division was authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, to ensure that adequate numbering resources were available for local residents and businesses. Rapid population growth and increased demand for telephone lines had exhausted the capacity of older dialing codes in Washington State, prompting regulatory authorities to introduce new area codes.
The restructuring process took into account the region’s economic expansion, which included the rise of new housing developments and commercial districts. Over the years, ongoing collaboration between the Federal Communications Commission and the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) allowed for further assessment of numbering requirements. If future demand dictates, authorities can choose to initiate overlay plans rather than splitting codes, as overlays preserve existing numbers while introducing new ones for prospective subscribers.
How Many People Use the 253 Area Code?
According to population statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the 253 area code covers hundreds of thousands of individuals across urban and suburban districts. In order to efficiently monitor the number of assigned telephone numbers, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator works in coordination with state agencies like the WUTC and local telecommunications providers.
Below is a concise view of approximate coverage:
- Estimated population served: 850,000+
- Primary county: Pierce County
- Secondary areas: Portions of King County
As more residents and businesses move into the region, officials continue to anticipate additional growth. Local planning offices, such as the 1011 Plum St SE, Olympia, WA 98504 branch of the Washington State Department of Commerce, regularly assess infrastructure needs to support continued expansion.
Is the 253 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 253 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code. Calls made within this numbering area are typically subject to local or long-distance charges based on a caller’s specific telephone service plan. Unlike 800, 888, or other recognized national toll-free prefixes, calling a 253-number may incur costs for those who are outside local coverage zones or who lack unlimited calling plans.
Key points related to dialing rules include:
- Calls within the 253 boundaries may be treated as local, subject to individual carrier rules.
- Calls from outside the region could incur long-distance rates.
- Toll-free access is generally reserved for prefixes regulated at the federal level.
Any interested party can verify toll-free policies or file queries through the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission office at 1300 S Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98504 or with the Federal Communications Commission.