Area code 279 covers Sacramento and surrounding areas in California. It was activated in 2018 as an overlay of area code 916. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 916. For the full picture, see all California area codes.
| State | California |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Sacramento |
| Cities also served | Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, Rocklin |
| Time zone | Pacific (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| Year established | March 10, 2018 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 916 |
| Overlay codes | 916 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 279
Area code 279 serves Greater Sacramento area, including parts of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, and Solano Counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Sacramento
- Elk Grove
- Roseville
- Folsom
- Citrus Heights
- Rancho Cordova
- West Sacramento
- Rocklin
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 916, 530, 707.
How to Get a 279 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 279 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 279 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 279 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 279 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 279 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 279 number. If you already have a 279 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of California sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 279 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 279 area code still in use?
Yes. 279 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Greater Sacramento area, including parts of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, and Solano Counties.
What is the difference between 279 and 916?
Today they share the same geographic territory in California. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 279?
Area code 279 is an overlay of 916. Both codes serve the same region of California.
Can I get a 279 number if I don't live in California?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 279 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 279 a scam area code?
No. 279 is a legitimate, active area code for Greater Sacramento area, including parts of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, and Solano Counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 279 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real California businesses, government offices, and residents.
What is area code 279?
Area code 279 is a California telephone area code that serves the greater Sacramento region. It was introduced on March 10, 2018, as an overlay to the existing 916 area code to provide additional phone numbers for the same geographic territory.
What cities does the 279 area code cover?
The 279 area code covers Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, Rocklin, and other communities in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, and Solano Counties.
Do I need to dial 10 digits when calling a 279 number?
Yes. Because 279 is an overlay sharing the same geography as 916, all local calls require ten-digit dialing: 1 + area code + seven-digit number. Calls placed without the area code will not connect.
Is 279 the same area as 916?
Yes. Area code 279 covers exactly the same geographic territory as 916. The CPUC approved 279 as a relief overlay in February 2017 because 916 prefixes were approaching exhaustion; existing 916 customers kept their numbers and new lines began receiving 279 numbers from March 10, 2018.
