Receive a local area code
252
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Economic Overview
The 252 area code region is primarily rural, with an economy based on agriculture (including tobacco, sweet potatoes, and peanuts), healthcare, education, and some manufacturing. Major employers include East Carolina University, Vidant Health, and local government entities. Tourism along the Inner Banks and Outer Banks also contributes significantly, especially in coastal communities.
Geographical Overview
Area code 252 covers the northeastern part of North Carolina, including cities such as Greenville, New Bern, Rocky Mount (eastern part), Elizabeth City, Kinston, and Washington (NC). Key counties include Pitt, Beaufort, Craven, Nash (eastern portion), Edgecombe (eastern portion), Lenoir, and Pasquotank, among others. The area encompasses parts of the Inner Banks and stretches to the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.
Location Info
Area code 252 was created in 1998 as a split from area code 919 and covers the northeastern coastal plain of North Carolina. Its boundaries run from the Virginia state line southward, covering the coast and inland areas east of Interstate 95, but do not include the Outer Banks barrier islands. Notable cities within its boundaries are Greenville, Kinston, New Bern, Elizabeth City, and Washington.
Population Demographics
The 252 area code region is diverse, with a mix of urban populations in cities like Greenville and New Bern, and predominantly rural communities elsewhere. The area has a significant African American population alongside White and smaller Hispanic/Latino communities. The median age is slightly above the state average, reflecting both university students in Greenville and an aging rural population.
Time Zone Info
Area code 252 is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Other Area Code Details
The region contains East Carolina University, one of North Carolina’s largest public universities, and the historic city of New Bern, the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. The area is known for its scenic waterways, historic sites, and as a gateway to North Carolina’s Inner Banks.
