Receive a local area code
262
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Economic Overview
The 262 area code encompasses suburban and exurban regions with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education. Major employers in the region include GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, Snap-on Tools, and Aurora Health Care. Agriculture and tourism also play significant roles, especially in outlying areas and near Lake Geneva.
Geographical Overview
Area code 262 covers southeastern Wisconsin, primarily surrounding but not including the city of Milwaukee. Key cities in the region include Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, West Bend, Brookfield, and Lake Geneva. The area code spans parts of Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, Ozaukee, and Walworth counties.
Location Info
Area code 262 forms a ring around Milwaukee, covering the suburbs and outlying communities, but not the city itself (which uses area codes 414 and 534). It stretches west to Waukesha, north to West Bend, south to the Illinois border near Kenosha, and west to Lake Geneva and Elkhorn. The area code was created in 1999 as a split from 414.
Population Demographics
The population of area code 262 is predominantly suburban, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees. The region is primarily White, with growing Hispanic and African American communities, especially in Racine and Kenosha. The area features a high median household income compared to the state average, with strong educational attainment levels.
Time Zone Info
Area code 262 is located entirely within the Central Time Zone (CST, UTC−6; CDT, UTC−5 in daylight saving time).
Other Area Code Details
The 262 region includes popular recreational destinations such as Lake Geneva and the Kettle Moraine State Forest, attracting visitors year-round. It is known for its historic downtowns, summer festivals, and proximity to Milwaukee’s cultural amenities. The area code's creation in 1999 was part of a major reorganization of southeastern Wisconsin's telephone numbering system due to rapid population and business growth.
