What is 803 Area Code?

The 803 area code covers South Carolina, serving the central and southern parts of the state. It was one of the original area codes established in 1947 and covers major cities such as Columbia (the state capital), Rock Hill, and Sumter. In 2020, the 839 area code was added as an overlay to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in the region.

  • State: South Carolina
  • Major Cities: Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter, Aiken, Orangeburg
  • Time zone: Eastern Time (ET)
  • Established: January 1, 1947 (one of the original 86 area codes)
  • Overlay Area Code: 839 (introduced in 2020)
  • Region Population: Approx. 1.77 million residents
  • Primary Uses: Landlines, mobile phones, VoIP services, and business communication

Population & Demographics of 803 Area Code

The 803 area code location serves a diverse population of around 1.77 million people. It includes the state capital, Columbia, which is a hub for government, education, and healthcare, alongside smaller towns and rural communities that contribute to the region’s cultural mix.

The area has a balanced demographic with students, professionals, and retirees, supported by industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. This diversity makes the 803 cities an important part of South Carolina’s growth, drawing both businesses and residents to the region.

803 Area Code Time Zone

The 803 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which includes both Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) and Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) during daylight saving.