West Virginia area codes
2 area codes currently serve West Virginia. The state's numbering history begins in 1947 with 304. Most recent addition: 681, in service since 2009.
Coverage runs through 304 (Charleston), 681 (Charleston); prefix counts in the table approximate each code's numbering footprint.
Overlay territory: 304/681 — same geography, several codes, ten-digit local dialing.
Time zone is uniform across the state's codes: Eastern.
304, in service since 1947, anchors Charleston, carries 785 active prefixes across 228 rate centers, split among 47 carriers. 507 of its prefixes are pooled — shared between carriers in thousands-number blocks. It is the oldest area code in West Virginia, in service since 1947. NANPA projects its capacity to last until 4Q 2033. Local dialing is ten digits.
681 has served Charleston since 2009, carries 487 active prefixes across 213 rate centers, split among 50 carriers. 483 of its prefixes are pooled — shared between carriers in thousands-number blocks. NANPA projects its capacity to last until 4Q 2033. It was created from 304. Local dialing is ten digits.
Toll-free callers are a separate story: 800-family numbers carry no West Virginia geography at all, so an 833 or 877 number is never "from" the state — it belongs to whichever business rents it, anywhere in the NANP.
A number in any of these codes was issued in West Virginia, but portability means its owner may be anywhere today — the codes locate numbers, not people. To dig further, open a code's prefix or cities pages.
| Code | Major area | In service | Overlay complex | Prefixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | Charleston | 1947 | 304/681 | 785 |
| 681 | Charleston | 2009 | 304/681 | 487 |
FAQ
How many area codes does West Virginia have?
2 geographic area codes are currently in service: 304, 681.
What was West Virginia's first area code?
304, in service since 1947.
Will West Virginia get a new area code soon?
Not soon. The earliest exhaust forecast in the state is 304 at 4Q 2033, so current codes have ample capacity.
Which time zone are West Virginia numbers in?
All West Virginia area codes are in the Eastern time zone.