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831
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Economic Overview
Area code 831 is economically diverse, anchored by agriculture (particularly strawberries, lettuce, and artichokes in the Salinas Valley), tourism (Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur), education (home to the University of California, Santa Cruz), and technology. Major employers include Driscoll’s, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the educational sector. The region also supports a robust hospitality industry due to its scenic coastline and visitor destinations.
Geographical Overview
Area code 831 covers much of California’s Central Coast, including all of Monterey County, most of Santa Cruz County, and the northern part of San Benito County. Key cities include Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Carmel, and Hollister. The region encompasses coastal, valley, and mountainous areas.
Location Info
Established in 1998 as a split from area code 408, area code 831 extends from the Santa Cruz coastline south through the Monterey Peninsula and eastward into the Salinas Valley and the northern tip of San Benito County. Its boundaries include communities from Santa Cruz in the north to King City in the south, and from the Pacific coast inland to the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges. It does not include the city of Gilroy or San Jose, which remain in 408.
Population Demographics
The 831 area code region is home to a diverse population, with significant Hispanic/Latino communities, especially in Salinas and Watsonville, and a large student population in Santa Cruz. The area ranges from affluent coastal communities to agricultural towns with a high concentration of farmworkers. Median age and income levels vary widely between the coastal and inland cities.
Time Zone Info
Area code 831 is entirely within the Pacific Time Zone (PT).
Other Area Code Details
The 831 region is famous for landmarks such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach golf courses, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur. It is also known for its literary and cultural history, including connections to author John Steinbeck, who wrote about the Salinas Valley.
