Area Code 978 — Massachusetts
Covers Lowell, Salem, Lawrence, Haverhill, and Gloucester and surrounding areas in Massachusetts (MA).
Time zone: Eastern (ET) | Established: 1997
Where Is Area Code 978?
Area code 978 covers northeastern Massachusetts including Lowell, Salem, and the Merrimack Valley. Created in 1997 to handle growing demand for phone numbers, it serves approximately 1.5 million residents in the Eastern (ET) time zone.
Lowell is the largest city in the 978 area code and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. Other notable communities include Salem, Lawrence, and Haverhill, each contributing to the area’s mix of residential, commercial, and cultural activity. The region supports a diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and various service industries.
Massachusetts is served by 9 area codes in total, reflecting the state’s population growth and demand for telephone numbers over the decades. Area code 978 was carved out in 1997 to address increasing number demand in the region, allowing each area to maintain a sufficient supply of available numbers.
Major Cities and Communities in the 978 Area Code
The following cities and communities are served by area code 978:
- Lowell
- Salem
- Lawrence
- Haverhill
- Gloucester
Area Code 978 Details
| State | Massachusetts (MA) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (ET) (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)) |
| Year Established | 1997 |
| Overlay Code | No |
| Approximate Population Served | 1,500,000 |
| Region | Covers northeastern Massachusetts including Lowell, Salem, and the Merrimack Valley |
Interesting Facts About Area Code 978
- Area code 978 was created in 1997 when Massachusetts’s existing area codes could no longer meet the growing demand for new phone numbers in the region.
- Area code 978 serves approximately 1.5 million residents in Massachusetts, centered around the Lowell area.
- Massachusetts uses 9 area codes to serve its residents, with 978 covering the Lowell region and surrounding communities.
Related Area Codes
Other Massachusetts area codes: 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857
Connecticut: 203, 860
New Hampshire: 603
New York: 518, 212
Rhode Island: 401
Vermont: 802
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities use area code 978?
Area code 978 serves Lowell, Salem, Lawrence, Haverhill, and Gloucester and surrounding communities in Massachusetts.
What time zone is area code 978?
Area code 978 is in the Eastern (ET) time zone (UTC-5 / UTC-4 (DST)).
Is 978 a toll-free number?
No, area code 978 is not a toll-free number. It is a geographic area code assigned to Massachusetts. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
When was area code 978 established?
Area code 978 was established in 1997.
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