Receive a local area code
540
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Economic Overview
The 540 area code region features a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Major employers include universities such as Virginia Tech, healthcare systems like Carilion Clinic, and manufacturers in the Roanoke and Shenandoah Valleys. Tourism and viticulture are also significant contributors, thanks to the region’s natural beauty and historic sites.
Geographical Overview
Area code 540 covers much of northwestern and west-central Virginia, including the cities of Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, Blacksburg, and Staunton. It serves portions of the Shenandoah Valley, the Roanoke Valley, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area code spans numerous counties such as Augusta, Rockingham, Montgomery, Botetourt, and parts of Loudoun, Fauquier, and Spotsylvania.
Location Info
Area code 540 was created in 1995 as a split from area code 703 and covers a broad swath of western and northern Virginia, excluding the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C. and Richmond. It surrounds, but does not include, the cities of Charlottesville and Lynchburg, and extends from near Winchester in the north to Martinsville in the south. Key coverage areas include Roanoke, Blacksburg (home to Virginia Tech), Harrisonburg (home to James Madison University), and the city of Fredericksburg.
Population Demographics
The 540 area code region is predominantly White, with growing African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities, particularly in university towns. The population is a mix of urban centers, suburban communities, and rural areas, resulting in varied age distributions and income levels. The presence of several colleges and universities lends a youthful demographic to certain areas.
Time Zone Info
Area code 540 is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Other Area Code Details
The 540 area code region is known for its scenic beauty, including parts of Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and James Madison University in Harrisonburg are major educational and cultural centers. In 2022, area code 826 was introduced as an overlay to address the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region.
