1. Home
  2. 312 Area Code: What You Need to Know

312 Area Code: What You Need to Know

The area code 312 is the beating heart of the windy city of Chicago, IL. It is an open door if you are looking to launch your business in one of America's most iconic cities.

The iconic Chicago Theatre marquee sign
Fig.1 - The iconic Chicago Theatre marquee sign

Let’s examine the unique aspects of 312 in this article, from its most well-known neighborhoods to the historic landmarks. Whether you are a local, a business owner, or just an interested reader, this article will give you a clear picture of the 312 area code.

What location is associated with the 312 area code?

The 312 area code is deeply associated with the city of Chicago, Illinois, especially in its downtown central business district.

Chicago's central business district, the Loop, lies at the center of the 312 area code. Not only is it a financial powerhouse, but it is also an architectural and cultural wonder.

Some of America's most famous cultural institutions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and, even more famously, The New York Times' favorite orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, call this area their home.

North of the Loop, neighborhoods such as River North and Streeterville are included within 312. These areas are famous for their fine dining, lively nightlife, and sumptuous residential property.

What is the time zone of the 312 area code?

The 312 area code falls within the Central Time Zone (CT). In terms of area, this is the most significant time zone in use today. An entire fourth of the US, from Canada to North Carolina and Alabama down to Florida's Gulf coast, lies within its borders.

The Central Time Zone is a pivotal point in business activity within the 312 area code community.

History of the 312 area code

Adopted in 1947, the original group of AT&T and Bell System area codes for use as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) numbering system included code 312.

Initially, this area code covered the whole city of Chicago because it was a major metropolis and an important communications center.

Illinois area codes
Fig.2 - Illinois area codes

The growing city brought with it a demand for telephone numbers. The market was further accelerated by the arrival of fax machines, cell phones, and internet in the late 20th century. By then, numbers within area code 31 were in short supply.

A process called area code splitting was introduced to deal with this situation. In 1989, the city was split into two area codes. The central business district, known as the Loop, and its surrounding areas are stuck with 312. The rest of Chicago was given a brand new 773 area code.

Total population of 312 area code

The 312 area code covers a highly concentrated urban center of Chicago. According to the US Census Bureau, the total number of people living within 312 was estimated at around 5.2 million.

Demographics in the 312 area code

Its urban location and closeness to the major commercial and financial institutions lend it a high proportion of young professional residents.

Many students and scholars are also here, primarily because of nearby universities and colleges. The region also includes well-to-do residents living in highrise apartments and luxurious condos.

In terms of ethnicity, it's a mosaic with all kinds of backgrounds--Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Asian. Its population diversity naturally makes for a rich and varied cultural scene, with all sorts of restaurants, entertainment options, and art galleries.

Best neighborhoods in the 312 area code

Some of its most prestigious and lively neighborhoods include:

  • The Loop, Chicago's busy beating heart and central business district, is fired by iconic architecture and cultural institutions.
  • River North is especially popular for its art galleries, boutique shops, and lively nightlife.
  • Situated along the lakefront, Streeterville has high-class living and attractions such as Navy Pier.
  • The Gold Coast's opulent mansions and plush apartments are the essence of luxurious urban living.
  • With its cobblestone streets and brisk entertainment scene, Old Town offers historic charm and modern convenience.

These neighborhoods are slices of Chicago life and among the best in the 312 area code.

Household income in 312 area code

With upscale neighborhoods, such as the Gold Coast and Streeterville, to its name, it has been estimated that annual average household incomes are often above national levels, with mean income being $71,673.

It strongly contrasts with areas catering to low-income households and students, with glaring economic disparities.

Industries in the 312 area code

The 312 area code encompasses central Chicago, a vibrant economic base. It stays in the midst of Chicago's financial district, home to central banks, financial institutions, and the Chicago Stock Exchange.

The region is also well-developed in legal, professional services, technology, and innovation, with many law firms, consultancies, tech startups, and corporate offices.

It is also a center for the arts, entertainment, and hospitality, with some of the most significant cultural institutions in the world, gorgeous hotels, restaurants, and retail developments that continue to ensure the strength of Chicago's economy.

Tourist attractions in the 312 area code

312 means tourism in Chicago. Its downtown area, the Loop, is home to the iconic Willis Tower and Skydeck observatory. Millennium Park contains the famous Cloud Gate sculpture and the Bean and Lurie Garden.

Art lovers enjoy the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center. The Chicago Riverwalk surrounds dining and boat tours, a Ferris wheel, and festivals at Navy Pier.

The historic Chicago Theatre and shopping and dining paradise of a Magnificent Mile up Michigan Avenue go a long way to rounding out this appeal.

Together with Chicago's offerings of architectural and culinary richness, the 312 area code bestows travelers a sense of diversity and excitement.

Is the 312 area code toll-free?

No, the 312 area code is not toll-free. Calls to numbers with a 312 area code are charged at standard local or long-distance rates, depending on your caller's location and phone service plan.

How to call a phone number with the 312 area code

Person dialing on a telephone
Fig.3 - Person dialing on a telephone

To call a phone number with the 312 area code within the United States, dial 1-312-XXX-XXXX. From outside the US, you start with the international dialing prefix (which varies by country), then the US country code (1), the area code (312), and finally, the seven-digit number.

Why should I get a 312 area code phone number for my business?

Getting a phone number for your business with a 312 area code may be strategically beneficial, particularly if you have the Chicago market in mind.

The area code is synonymous with the central business district of Chicago, associating your business with the economic prosperity and prestige of the city.

It can bring local presence, increase credibility, and foster a good relationship with the customers in that area who often find it comfortable doing business with local names. It is a no-brainer solution to jump right into the thriving market of Chicago.

How to obtain a phone number with the 312 area code

Begin by contacting a phone service, either for receiving a landline home phone or taking out a cell phone plan. Many providers offer options to select a specific area code when setting up a new service. VoIP services (Voice over Internet Protocol) may also provide a 312 number for businesses doing business but not being physically present in Chicago.

Other than that, more online services are giving the leverage of buying or renting these local numbers with 312 area code prefixes. Do not forget to check for its availability since fashionable and expensive area codes always get scarce.

Takeaway: Get into the heart of one of the best cities in the US with area code 312

Whether for personal or business purposes, getting the 312 area code presents that unique opportunity to reach out and grasp the essence of Chicago.

Visit SearchYellowDirectory to find people and businesses all over the world.

Free Google Phone Lookup