252 Area Code: Guide to Eastern North Carolina's Coastal Plain Region

Introduction to the 252 Area Code

The 252 area code serves eastern North Carolina, including major cities like Rocky Mount, Greenville, Elizabeth City, and the Outer Banks. It was created in 1998 when it split off from the 919 area code due to increasing demand for phone numbers.

Geography Covered by the 252

The 252 area code covers a large section of coastal plain and tidewater North Carolina, extending north to south from the Virginia border down to Emerald Isle. It includes many popular coastal tourist destinations along the Outer Banks as well as inland rural areas.

Major Cities and Population

Some of the biggest cities served by the 252 code include Rocky Mount, Greenville, Elizabeth City, Jacksonville, and several communities along the Outer Banks like Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. The total population living in the 252 area code region is approximately 1.5 million.

Local Culture and Identity of the 252

The 252 is closely tied to eastern North Carolina's coastal culture and industries like fishing, tourism, shipbuilding and more. Many residents feel a strong sense of regional pride and connection to the 252. It shapes local identity similarly to how other regions identify with their area codes.

Economic Life in the 252 Region

Major industries that drive the 252's economic life include fishing, agriculture, tourism, the military, manufacturing, and others. The agriculture sector focuses heavily on poultry, livestock, soybeans and other crops. The tourism industry centers around the beaches and coastal towns.

FAQs

What cities and towns are included in the 252 area code?

The 252 area code serves eastern North Carolina and includes cities and towns such as Rocky Mount, Greenville, Elizabeth City, Jacksonville, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and many other Outer Banks communities.

When was the 252 area code created?

The 252 area code was created in 1998 when it split off from the existing 919 area code due to increasing demand for phone numbers in the region.

What counties are covered by the 252 area code?

Counties served by the 252 area code include Edgecombe, Wilson, Nash, Halifax, Northampton, Hertford, Bertie, Martin, Pitt, Beaufort, Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck counties.

What industries are important in the 252 region?

Major industries in the 252 area include fishing, agriculture (livestock, poultry, soybeans), tourism centered around the Outer Banks beaches, manufacturing, military and others.

What is the population of the 252 area code region?

The estimated population of the area covered by the 252 area code is around 1.5 million as of 2023.