The 708 area code covers Chicago's south and west suburbs — not the city of Chicago itself, which uses 312 and 773. It was created as a geographic split from 312 on November 11, 1989, and since January 21, 2022 it has shared its territory with a newer overlay code, 464. The region sits in the Central Time Zone.
This guide covers exactly where 708 reaches, its unusual split-then-overlay numbering history, and how businesses in Chicago's suburbs set up a 708 number today.
Where the 708 area code reaches
The 708 area code location covers roughly 60 municipalities across suburban Cook County and eastern Will County — a ring around Chicago's south and west sides, but not the city itself.
708 coverage by region:
| Region | Communities |
|---|---|
| Near-west suburbs | Cicero, Berwyn, Oak Park |
| South suburbs | Oak Lawn, Blue Island, Harvey, Alsip |
| Southwest suburbs | Orland Park, Tinley Park |
| Eastern Will County | Portions bordering the south suburbs |
What 708 does NOT cover:
- City of Chicago → 312 / 773 / 872
- Northern suburbs (Evanston, Schaumburg) → 847 / 224
- Western suburbs (DuPage County) → 630 / 331
- Outer collar counties → 815 / 779
- Northwest Indiana → 219
708's numbering journey: split, then overlay
708 has a numbering history unlike most codes in this guide series — it was created by a split, then later required its own overlay, without ever splitting again itself.
1989 — Splits from 312. As Chicago's suburbs grew, 708 split off from 312 to give the suburbs their own dedicated code, while 312 stayed with the city.
1996 — Further narrowed. As part of a larger regional reorganization, 773 split off to cover most of the city outside downtown, while 847 and 630 split away from 708's own suburban territory to cover the northern and western suburbs, shrinking 708 to its current south/west suburban footprint.
1999 — 464 reserved. Regulators reserved area code 464 for future relief well before it was needed.
2022 — 464 overlay activated. On January 21, 2022, 464 went into service as an all-services overlay on 708's territory — the same suburbs, a second number pool, no further geographic redrawing.
What the overlay means for callers:
A Cicero business on 708-XXX-XXXX and a new office in Tinley Park on 464-XXX-XXXX sit in the same calling area — same rates, same local coverage. The region moved to mandatory ten-digit dialing on October 24, 2021, ahead of the 464 overlay, driven partly by the nationwide reservation of the 988 crisis line, which conflicted with existing 708-988-XXXX numbers.
What's driving demand for suburban Chicago numbers
Chicago's south and west suburbs remain one of the most densely populated suburban rings in the Midwest, and steady commercial activity keeps adding new lines across the 708/464 footprint:
Logistics and distribution The south suburbs sit along major rail and highway corridors, and warehousing and distribution operations continue to add commercial lines as e-commerce volume grows.
Healthcare systems Regional hospital networks across Cook and Will counties are among the area's largest employers, with clinics spanning dozens of suburban communities.
Small business density With roughly 60 municipalities packed into the 708 footprint, even modest per-town business growth adds up to steady regional number demand.
Many of these suburban Chicago businesses are moving their phone systems onto UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) — one cloud platform for calling, video, and messaging that scales as a company adds locations across the suburbs. Contact us to set up a 708 or 464 number for your Chicago-area business.
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How to get a 708 area code number for your business
- Research your suburb's prefix — 708 spans roughly 60 municipalities, so confirm which prefix maps to the town your customers expect.
- Search available numbers — Filter by area code 708 (or 464 for the newer overlay pool).
- Pick a 708 or 464 number — Either code works identically across the same calling area.
- Route to any device — Forward calls to a desk phone, mobile, or softphone app.
- Go live fast — Most VoIP providers, including My Country Mobile, can activate a new number the same day.
Benefits of having a 708 area code phone number
Local credibility — A 708 number signals a genuine presence in Chicago's south or west suburbs, distinct from a downtown 312/773 number.
Competitive edge — Businesses serving the suburbs can claim a local number without opening a physical office in every town.
Cost-effective — VoIP-based 708 or 464 numbers typically cost less than traditional landlines, with no long-distance charges within the calling area.
Easy to dial — A recognizable suburban Chicago number is easier for repeat customers to recall than an out-of-area line.
Time zone & how to dial a 708 number
Chicago's south and west suburbs run on Central Time (CT) — CST (UTC −6) in winter, CDT (UTC −5) during Daylight Saving Time. Local calls within the 708/464 overlay require all ten digits: dial 1, then the area code, then the seven-digit number, even when calling a neighbor across the street.
Is 708 a scam number?
No documented pattern uniquely ties 708 to scam or robocall activity beyond general nationwide trends — spoofed calls tend to target whatever local-looking area code is convenient, and 708's large population of roughly 60 suburbs makes it a common target simply due to volume.
The FCC's STIR/SHAKEN call authentication framework requires carriers to verify caller ID before a call connects, though no system catches everything — treat unexpected calls asking for payment or personal information with caution.
Key takeaways
- 708 covers Chicago's south and west suburbs, created by a split from 312 in 1989 — not an overlay from the start.
- Since January 21, 2022, 464 has overlaid the same 708 territory, adding a second number pool without another split.
- Ten-digit dialing has been mandatory since October 24, 2021.
- Time zone: Central (CT) throughout.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 708 area code?
Area code 708 covers Chicago's south and west suburbs across Cook and eastern Will counties, Illinois. It does not cover the city of Chicago itself.
Where is the 708 area code located?
Area code 708 covers roughly 60 suburban municipalities including Cicero, Oak Park, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Tinley Park, and Orland Park.
Is 708 a California area code?
No. Area code 708 has never been assigned to California — it's strictly an Illinois suburban Chicago code.
Is 708 a spam number?
Not inherently — 708 is a legitimate suburban Chicago area code. No documented scam pattern is uniquely tied to it beyond general nationwide robocall trends.
What time zone is the 708 area code?
Area code 708 is in the Central Time Zone (CT) — CST (UTC −6) in winter and CDT (UTC −5) during Daylight Saving Time.
Is 708 an overlay or a split?
Both, at different points. 708 itself was created by splitting from 312 in 1989. Since 2022, it has been overlaid by area code 464, which shares its exact territory.
How do I get a 708 area code number?
Sign up with a VoIP provider such as My Country Mobile, search for available 708 or 464 numbers, choose a suburban Chicago prefix, select a plan, and activate.
