The 840 area code is a relatively new telephone codes in the United States, created to support the growing demand for phone numbers in Southern California. It is an overlay code, meaning it shares the same geographic region as an existing area code rather than replacing it.
What Is the 840 Area Code?
The area code 840 is a telephone codes located in the state of California, United States. It serves San Bernardino, CA and the surrounding areas, functioning as an overlay for area code 909 and covering the same geographic region.
Where Is the 840 Area Code Located?
The area code 840 location primarily serves portions of Southern California. Residents and businesses in this region are located mainly in southwestern San Bernardino County, including cities such as San Bernardino, Fontana, and Rancho Cucamonga, as well as portions of Riverside County, including Riverside and Corona, and some segments of Los Angeles County where the 909 boundary overlaps.
Cities Covered by the Area Code
The 840 area code location spans a wide and diverse collection of cities across Southern California. It covers cities and communities such as San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Redlands, Rialto, Colton, Highland, Yucaipa, Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, Diamond Bar, Walnut, and West Covina. In total, it spans 3 counties and serves 45 cities. It currently uses 119 prefixes assigned from 840-200-XXXX through 840-999-XXXX.
History and Origin
The rapid population and business growth of the Inland Empire region started the story of the 840 area code. The authorities put area code into service on February 23, 2021, making it the 418th area code introduced in the United States. It became one of 11 area codes added in 2021 and the 36th area code in California. Regulators created it to relieve pressure on the 909 area code because available numbers in that code were running out.
The Area Code and the Overlay System
Many people unfamiliar with the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) may wonder why two area codes, 909 and 840, serve the same region. This is entirely by design. The 840 area code has a single overlay, 909, that serves the same geographic areas. Combined, this area code and its overlay serve a population of 14,613,848.
Time Zone
The entire 840 area code usa region operates in the Pacific Time Zone (PT).
This aligns it with major California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.
Economy and Demographics of the Area Code Region
The territory covered by the 840 area code is not just geographically large — it is economically significant. The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area generated approximately $256.9 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. Key economic sectors in the 840 region include logistics and supply chain operations, such as Amazon fulfilment centres and FedEx; healthcare and research institutions, such as Loma Linda University Health and San Bernardino County Medical Centre; and education and government, anchored by California State University, San Bernardino.
Is the Area Code Toll-Free?
A common question people have when they see an unfamiliar area code is whether it is a toll-free number. Area code 840 is not a toll-free codes. It is classified as a standard geographic code, much like the well-established 909 area code. Callers may incur standard local and long-distance charges depending on their phone service plan. However, wireless plans often include nationwide calling as part of flat-rate packages, so additional toll charges may not apply to mobile users.
Final Thoughts
The 840 area code is a modern, active telephone codes that reflects the vibrant growth of Southern California’s Inland Empire. From its launch in February 2021 as an overlay for the legacy 909 code to its coverage of dozens of cities across San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties, the area code plays a crucial role in keeping one of America’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions connected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
The 840 area code is an important addition to Southern California’s telecommunications system. It was created to support the growing demand for phone numbers in the 909 region, especially in the Inland Empire. While it may look unfamiliar, it functions just like any other legitimate U.S. area code.
