West Virginia Area Code
West Virginia primarily uses two area codes: 304 and 681. The 304 area code covers most of the state, including major cities like Charleston and Huntington. Meanwhile, the 681 area code functions as an overlay for the same geographic regions served by 304, providing additional phone number options to meet growing demand while maintaining existing area code boundaries. Keep in mind that area codes can change or expand, so it's a good practice to verify the current area code information for specific locations or dialing purposes.
| State | West Virginia |
| State Abbreviation: | WV |
| State Nickname: | Mountain State Equality State |
| Capital City | Charleston |
| Area Codes | 304 and 681 |
| Timezone | Eastern Standard Time |
What time zone is West Virginia?
West Virginia is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), shifting to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during DST periods.
Note that the start and end dates of daylight saving time can change
History
West Virginia initially had a single area code, 304. As demand for phone numbers grew, the overlay area code 681 was introduced to provide additional options while keeping the 304 code intact. This change helped manage the increasing need for telephone numbers in the state.
All Area Codes in West Virginia
This table provides a quick overview of all area codes, their locations, and some historical context for each.
| Area Code | Location | History and Details |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | Most of West Virginia | Primary area code for West Virginia, covering most of the state. |
| 681 | Same areas as 304 | Overlay area code introduced to provide more phone number options within the same geographic regions as 304. |
Largest Cities in West Virginia with area codes
Quick overview of large cities, their area codes, and some historical context for each in West Virginia.
| Name | Area Code | History and Details |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 304 | The capital and largest city of West Virginia, known for its cultural attractions and government institutions. |
| Huntington | 304 | A major city along the Ohio River, home to Marshall University and vibrant arts and music scenes. |
| Morgantown | 304 | Home to West Virginia University and known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities. |
| Parkersburg | 304 | Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, known for its historic architecture and museums. |
| Wheeling | 304 | A city on the Ohio River, historically significant for its role in transportation and commerce. |
| Weirton | 304 | Known for its steel manufacturing heritage and proximity to the Pennsylvania border. |
| Fairmont | 304 | Home to Fairmont State University and known for its history and cultural events. |
| Martinsburg | 304 | Located in the Eastern Panhandle, known for its historic sites and proximity to Washington, D.C. |
| Beckley | 304 | A city in southern West Virginia, known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and coal mining history. |
| Clarksburg | 304 | A city along the West Fork River, known for its history and cultural attractions. |