Where is Area Code 361?
Area Code 361 serves a significant portion of southern Texas, covering both urban centers and surrounding rural communities. It primarily serves the following major cities:
- Corpus Christi
- Victoria
- Kingsville
- Alice
- Beeville
Many notable counties also fall under this area code. The counties listed below provide public resources and information for residents and businesses:
| County Name | Notable Municipal Offices |
|---|---|
| Nueces County | 901 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 |
| Victoria County | 115 N Bridge Street, Victoria, TX 77901 |
| Kleberg County | 700 E Kleberg Avenue, Kingsville, TX 78363 |
| Bee County | 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville, TX 78102 |
Residents and visitors can find further details about local government services by visiting the Texas official resources website. These resources provide up-to-date information on municipal services, county records, and area-specific regulations.
What Time Zone Is 361 Area Code in the USA?
Most regions using the 361 area code observe the Central Time Zone (CT). This time zone follows Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-06:00. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), clocks move forward one hour to Central Daylight Time (CDT), UTC-05:00. Like many other Texas area codes, the 361 region aligns with state guidelines on DST observance. For more information regarding time zone rules and DST policies, consult the National Institute of Standards and Technology timekeeping resources.
History of the 361 Area Code
Area Code 361 was established in February 1999, when it split off from Area Code 512 to accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in southern Texas. Key factors influencing this decision included:
- Population Growth: As more individuals and businesses moved into the region, the existing supply of numbers under 512 began reaching capacity.
- Economic Expansion: Industrial growth in major cities increased the volume of landlines and mobile devices, requiring new telephone lines.
- Technological Advancements: The rise of fax machines, pagers, and early internet dial-up connections also contributed to the demand for additional numbering space.
Over the years, the 361 area code has undergone minimal changes compared to some areas that have experienced multiple splits or overlays. For historical records and guidelines on area code evolutions, refer to the FCC website for detailed insights into telephone numbering policy on a national scale.
How Many People Use the 361 Area Code?
The 361 area code covers a wide geographic region and is estimated to be used by several hundred thousand people. Local authorities such as the Public Utility Commission of Texas monitor area code usage and anticipate future demand through demographic and economic data analysis.
Is the 361 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 361 area code is not a toll-free designation. Instead, it serves a geographic region in Texas. Calls made within the 361 prefix may still incur local or long-distance charges depending on your service plan. Commonly toll-free area codes in the United States (such as 800, 888, 877, and 855) are distinct from 361, which remains tied to a physical location.
For official guidance on telephone usage charges, you can consult the Texas Public Utility Commission or the Federal Communications Commission resource regarding disputes or clarifications on billing practices.