Receive a local area code
219
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Economic Overview
Area code 219 encompasses a region with a diverse economy, anchored by heavy industry, particularly steel manufacturing centered in cities like Gary and East Chicago. Major employers include U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal, and healthcare systems such as Community Healthcare System and Franciscan Health. The area also benefits from logistics, transportation, education, and a growing service sector due to its proximity to Chicago.
Geographical Overview
Area code 219 covers the northwest corner of Indiana, including major cities such as Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville, Valparaiso, and Michigan City. It serves all of Lake County, most of Porter County, and all of LaPorte County. The area is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan region, bordering Lake Michigan.
Location Info
The 219 area code includes the Indiana counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte, stretching from the Illinois state line eastward to the LaPorte/St. Joseph county border and south to the Kankakee River. It covers all communities along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, including Whiting, Hobart, Crown Point, and Chesterton. The area’s western boundary is the Illinois-Indiana state line, directly adjacent to Chicago.
Population Demographics
The 219 region is home to over 850,000 residents, with a highly diverse population including significant African American, Hispanic, and Eastern European communities. Urban centers like Gary and Hammond have higher population densities and more diverse demographics than the suburban and rural areas farther east. The region features a mix of urban, suburban, and small-town populations.
Time Zone Info
Area code 219 is entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
Other Area Code Details
Area code 219 was one of Indiana’s original area codes, established in 1947, and is known for its proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan beaches, including the Indiana Dunes National Park. The area code was split in 2002, creating area codes 574 and 260 for other parts of northern Indiana, leaving 219 as the code for the northwest corner. The region is notable for its historical significance in the American steel industry and as a key transportation hub.
