Area codes 817 and 682

Area codes 817 and 682 are Texas telephone area codes for numbers in Fort Worth and most of the western portion of the Metroplex. Area code 817 was created as a flash-cut sometime during 1953, but available databases do not indicate from which area code it was split, as all original area codes were created in October 1947. Based on proximity, however, it was probably split from area codes 214 and 915.[1]

Map of Texas and adjacent regions, with numbering plan area 682/817 highlighted.

Originally, it not only covered the western portion of the Metroplex—where most of its population resided—but much of central Texas, the Texoma region and the South Plains. In 1957, Lubbock and the South Plains were combined with part of 915 to form area code 806.

Despite the Metroplex's dramatic growth in the second half of the 20th century, this configuration remained in place for 40 years. Finally, on July 25, 1997 it was reduced to its current size in a three-way split. The northern portion, including Wichita Falls and Denton, became area code 940. The southern portion, including Waco, Temple and Killeen, became area code 254.

This was intended as a long-term solution, but within two years 817 was once again nearing exhaustion due to the explosive growth in the Metroplex as well as the popularity of auxiliary devices. Area code 682 was overlaid onto the 817 territory on October 7, 2000. Certain areas (specifically involving the communities of Arlington, Bedford, Euless, Grapevine, Southlake, and Colleyville) in east Tarrant County generally closer to Dallas were overlaid with area codes 214 and 972 instead of 682, as 682 overlays central Fort Worth suburban areas. In those following named areas, 817 mainly serves the areas alongside 214 and 972 area codes.

Despite the Metroplex' continued growth, 817/682 is not projected to exhaust until 2049.[2]

Counties served by these area codes:

Hood, Johnson, Parker, Tarrant, Wise and portions of Dallas and Denton

A partial list of towns and cities served by these area codes:

Aledo, Arlington, Azle, Bartonville, Bedford, Burleson, Cleburne, Colleyville, Cresson, Crowley, Euless, Everman, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Godley, Granbury, Grand Prairie, Grandview, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Irving, Joshua, Keene, Keller, Lake Worth, Lillian, Mansfield, North Richland Hills, Odell, Peaster, Poolville, Roanoke, Rhome, Rio Vista, River Oaks, Southlake, Springtown, Trophy Club, Watauga, Weatherford, Westlake and Westworth Village.