979 Area Code: Location, Cities, Time Zone, History

Wondering about the 979 area code? It represents a wide section of Texas running from the Upper Gulf Coast inland through the Brazos Valley, anchored by Bryan–College Station and the Brazosport communities around Lake Jackson and Freeport. Here, find its location, cities, time zone, history and more.LocationBelow are the locations of each area code.

What the 979 Area Code Is and Who It Serves

Area code 979 is the standard numbering plan code (NPA) for central and southeast Texas including College Station and Victoria. It serves cities and communities in and around the Brazos Valley, as well as parts of the Upper Gulf Coast. This area uses 979 as a localized version, particularly on and around Texas A&M University and the Brazosport industrial district.

Where the 979 Area Code Is Located in Texas

979 runs from the Gulf Coast (Brazosport: Lake Jackson-Freeport-Clute) northwest through Wharton and West to Bay City, and on to the Brazos Valley anchored by Bryan-College Station, and west into towns such as Brenham, La Grange, Giddings. It represents portions of counties including Brazoria, Brazos, Wharton, Matagorda, Washington (partial), Austin, Lee, Fayette (partial), Burleson, Waller, Colorado and Jackson. It does not contain Houston or Austin.

979 Area Code Time Zone and Daylight Saving Rules

979 is assigned in the Central Time Zone (UTC−6). It is in the Central Time Zone and follows daylight saving time, switching to Central Daylight Time (UTC−5) in the spring hour falls back into standard time rather than advancing as it used to do around the fall.

History of 979: Origin from 409 and Year Created

The 979 area code was carved out from the 409 in 2000 to prevent number exhaustion as the region expanded. It is an independent area code, not an overlay. The split saved numbers in the coastal and Brazos Valley communities, but it also freed up capacity for future growth.

Is 979 Toll-Free and What It Means for Callers

No—979 is not toll-free. It’s a regular geographic code. Cost of the call varies depending on your plan and whether the call is local or long-distance. Mobile plans also include domestic calling; landline long-distance charges may apply. Note to international callers: You will need to dial +1 (the U.S. country code) before 979.

Cities and Counties Served by 979

Cities and communities in the empire of 979 include:

• reb Bryan and College Station (Texas A&M University)
• here: Lake Jackson, Angleton, Freeport, Clute (Brazosport area) here:
• Bay City, El Campo, Wharton
• Brenham, Navasota
• La Grange, Giddings, Sealy, Bellville, Columbus and Edna

Typical counties served in Brazos, Brazoria, Wharton, Matagorda, Washington, Austin, Lee, Fayette, Burleson Waller Colorado Jackson.

Calling To/From 979 NPA

Dialing requirements vary by carrier and perhaps your location. In many articles, even local calls need to be dialed as if they were long distance (e.g., 1 and the area code + number). For calls outside of 979: dial your country’s exit code + 1 + 979 + seven-digit local number. If in doubt, consult your provider’s guidance on the matter of local vs. long-distance dialing.

979 vs. Texas Area Codes Near Me

• 409: Beaumont–Port Arthur, and areas of the Upper Coast east of 979
• 281/713/832/346: east of Greater Houston metro area
• 361: South of Corpus Christi and Victoria area
• 936: Huntsville, Lufkin, Nacogdoches – north-east of the state
• 254: Waco–Killeen–Temple to the north

FAQs About the 979 Area Code

Where is 979 area code?

Based in Texas, covering the Brazos Valley and portions of the Upper Gulf Coast between Brazosport and Bryan–College Station.

Is 979 a toll-free area code?

No. It’s a conventional geographic code; the cost of making a call to this number depends on your plan and provider.

What time zone is area code 979 in?

Central Time (UTC−6), in the summer time (UTC−5).

When was 979 created and what did it split from?

It was introduced in 2000 as a split from area code 409 to safeguard against number exhaustion.

What city is area code 979?

Bryan, College Station, Lake Jackson, Angleton, Freeport, Bay City, Wharton, Brenham El Campo Navasota La Grange Giddings and more.

In Houston or Austin?

No. Houston has 281/713/832/346; Austin has 512/737. 979 covers other areas, not the metros.

Is 979 College Station and Lake Jackson area?

Yes. College Station and Bryan are notable 979s, as well as Lake Jackson, Freeport, and Angleton in Brazosport.

How can I get a 979 number for my company?

Contact your phone or VoIP provider to ask for a local 979 number. Number selection/porting capability is available through most carriers.

How do I identify any call or text spam originating from area code 979?

Be on your guard when receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, requests for immediate payment or request for you to share personal information. Don’t answer when unrecognizable numbers call, and confirm on your own.

Summary and Key takeaways about 979 area code

Telephone number 979 The area code for the Brazos Valley and Upper (South) Gulf coast regions of Texas including Bryan-College Station, and also geographically far south (348 miles driving distance, actual air line considerably less) from its close neighbor Area Code 281 (35 miles away). It serves Central Time and is not toll-free; it was established in 2000. Most callers dial 10 digits; make sure to ask your provider if you’re not sure.