Receive a local area code
805
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Economic Overview
The 805 area code region features a diverse economy with key industries including agriculture (notably wine production and specialty crops), tourism, technology, education, and healthcare. Major employers include California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), Amgen, Cottage Health, and defense contractors such as Vandenberg Space Force Base. The area also supports numerous small businesses, hospitality, and service sectors, especially in coastal and wine country areas.
Geographical Overview
Area code 805 covers most of Ventura County, the majority of Santa Barbara County, and a small portion of San Luis Obispo County in Southern and Central California. Principal cities include Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria. The region encompasses both coastal and inland communities, stretching from the Pacific coastline to agricultural valleys and foothills.
Location Info
Area code 805's boundaries include the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria, among others. The area code was split in 1999 to create area code 661 for inland portions, and in 2018, area code 820 was introduced as an overlay. The coverage spans from the Malibu area in the southeast to just north of Paso Robles in the northwest, but excludes the city of Santa Paula and most of eastern Ventura County.
Population Demographics
The 805 area code region is home to a population that is ethnically diverse, with significant Hispanic/Latino, White, and smaller Asian and African American communities. The area includes a mix of urban, suburban, and rural populations, with higher median incomes in coastal and suburban areas like Thousand Oaks and Santa Barbara. The region also has a substantial student population due to several local universities and colleges.
Time Zone Info
Area code 805 is located entirely within the Pacific Time Zone (PT).
Other Area Code Details
The 805 region is renowned for its scenic Pacific coastline, world-class wineries (notably in Santa Barbara and Paso Robles), and cultural landmarks such as Mission San Luis Obispo and the Santa Barbara Mission. It is also the filming location for numerous movies and TV shows and is sometimes affectionately referred to as "The 805" by locals. In 2018, the addition of overlay area code 820 required 10-digit dialing within the region.
