Receive a local area code
978
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Economic Overview
The 978 area code region features a diverse economy with significant sectors in technology, healthcare, higher education, and advanced manufacturing. Major employers include tech companies along the Route 128 corridor, large healthcare systems, and educational institutions such as the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The region also has a mix of small businesses, historic mill industries, and a growing life sciences sector.
Geographical Overview
Area code 978 covers northeastern and north-central Massachusetts, including large portions of Essex and Middlesex counties and small parts of Worcester County. Key cities include Lowell, Lawrence, Fitchburg, Leominster, Andover, and Gloucester. The region encompasses a mix of urban centers, suburban communities, and rural towns, as well as coastal and inland areas.
Location Info
Area code 978 serves communities north and west of Boston, stretching from the New Hampshire border southward to towns such as Acton and Westford, and eastward to the Atlantic coast at Cape Ann (including Gloucester and Rockport). It includes cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, Fitchburg, and parts of Haverhill, as well as smaller towns like Newburyport, Ayer, and Littleton. The area code was created in 1997 as a split from area code 508.
Population Demographics
The 978 area code region is home to a diverse population, with urban areas featuring significant immigrant communities, particularly in cities like Lawrence and Lowell. The population includes a mix of working-class, middle-class, and affluent residents, with a blend of ethnic backgrounds, including large Hispanic, Asian, and European-descended populations. The area has a higher-than-average educational attainment level compared to the national average.
Time Zone Info
Area code 978 is entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Other Area Code Details
The 978 area code region includes historically significant locations such as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution in Lowell and the famous fishing port of Gloucester. It is known for its scenic coastline, rolling hills, and historic mill towns, as well as being home to several colleges and universities. The area code overlays with 351, meaning both codes serve the same geographic region.
