Area code 817 is one of the most recognized telephone area codes in the state of Texas, primarily serving the city of Fort Worth and the western part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. If you’ve received a call from an 817 number or are planning to move to this area, understanding its coverage, history, and major cities can be helpful. This guide explains everything you need to know about area code 817 in a simple and clear way.
Where Is Area Code 817 Located?
Area code 817 primarily serves the western portion of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in north-central Texas. It shares the same geographic region as overlay area code 682, since 682 was added to the same area in 2000. The region covers Tarrant County and parts of nearby Hood, Johnson, Parker, Wise, Denton, and Dallas counties.
Some of the main cities and towns covered under area code 817 include:
- Fort Worth
- Arlington
- Grand Prairie
- Bedford
- Hurst
- Euless
- Grapevine
- Mansfield
The area code also serves many smaller towns and rural communities, making it a widely used code across North Central Texas.
History of Area Code 817
Area code 817 was created in 1953 as a split from area code 915. Before this change, all of these regions were part of 915, which originally served much of western Texas, including El Paso.
Over the years, the original territory was reduced several times. In 1997, area code 817 went through a three-way split, creating area code 940 to the north and area code 254 to the south. As demand for phone numbers continued to grow, area code 682 was added as an overlay in 2000 to ensure enough numbers were available for the rapidly expanding Fort Worth region.
Time Zone of Area Code 817
Area code 817 follows the Central Time Zone (CT), which is the same time zone used across most of Texas. This includes:
- Central Standard Time (CST)
- Central Daylight Time (CDT) during daylight saving
This is important for businesses and individuals who communicate with people in different states.
Major Cities and Their Importance
Fort Worth
Fort Worth is the largest city in the 817 area code and the fifth-largest city in Texas. Known for the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, Sundance Square, and a strong “Cowboys and Culture” identity, it has a powerful economy built on aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, with major employers like Lockheed Martin and American Airlines.
Arlington
Arlington is one of the most well-known cities in the 817 region, sitting between Fort Worth and Dallas. It is home to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags Over Texas, and the University of Texas at Arlington, making it a major hub for sports, entertainment, and education.
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie is a fast-growing city located between Dallas and Fort Worth. It plays an important role in manufacturing, retail, and entertainment, and is home to attractions like Lone Star Park and Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark.
Grapevine
Grapevine is a popular city near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. It is known for its historic downtown, popular wineries, Lake Grapevine, and the large Grapevine Mills shopping mall.
Who Uses Area Code 817?
Area code 817 is used by:
- Residents living in the Fort Worth metropolitan area
- Small and large businesses
- Government offices and institutions
- Educational institutions, including Texas Christian University
- Aviation, manufacturing, defense, and healthcare industries
Whether it’s a personal phone number or a business line, 817 is widely recognized across the North Texas region.
Is Area Code 817 Running Out?
Area code 817 came close to running out of numbers in the early 2000s, which is why area code 682 was introduced as an overlay in 2000. Together, 817 and 682 now provide enough numbering capacity to support the rapidly growing Fort Worth region, with projections suggesting these codes will be sufficient until the late 2030s.
How to Dial Area Code 817
If you are calling an 817 number:
- From within the U.S.: Dial 1 + 817 + the 7-digit number
- From outside the U.S.: Dial +1 817 + the phone number
Since the 682 overlay was introduced, ten-digit dialing has been mandatory for all local calls within the 817 area code, so always include the area code even when calling locally.
Final Thoughts
Area code 817 is a key part of the telecommunications network in north-central Texas. Covering cities like Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Grapevine, it serves a vibrant mix of bustling urban centers, sports and entertainment hubs, and growing suburban communities. Since its creation in 1953, it has supported communication needs for millions of residents and businesses.
Whether you’re receiving calls from this area or planning to relocate, understanding area code 817 gives you a better idea of the dynamic region it represents.
