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956
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Economic Overview
The 956 area code region is a major center for international trade due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border, with key industries including agriculture, logistics, manufacturing (notably maquiladoras), healthcare, and education. Major employers include the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, major hospital systems, and international trade and distribution companies. Agribusiness, particularly citrus and vegetable farming, also plays a significant role in the local economy.
Geographical Overview
Area code 956 covers South Texas, primarily encompassing the Rio Grande Valley region. Major cities include Laredo, Brownsville, McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Harlingen, and Pharr. The area code spans several counties, including Hidalgo, Cameron, Webb, Starr, and Zapata.
Location Info
Area code 956 stretches along the southernmost tip of Texas, bordering Mexico to the south and east and the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast. It covers the entirety of the Rio Grande Valley, including all or most of Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Willacy counties. The region includes key border crossings at Laredo, Brownsville, and McAllen/Reynosa.
Population Demographics
The 956 area code is home to a predominantly Hispanic/Latino population, with over 90% of residents in some counties identifying as such. The region has a youthful population and a high percentage of bilingual (Spanish-English) households. Median household incomes are below the national average, and the area has a strong sense of cultural and familial ties.
Time Zone Info
Area code 956 is located entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
Other Area Code Details
The Rio Grande Valley within the 956 area code is renowned for its birdwatching and subtropical climate, attracting ecotourists to sites like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. The region hosts the annual Charro Days Fiesta in Brownsville and is known for its vibrant Tex-Mex cuisine. Laredo, within the 956 area, is one of the largest inland ports on the US-Mexico border.
