Area code 562 serves a busy part of Southern California that includes coastal communities, established suburbs, commercial centres, industrial districts, and major transport routes. It is best known for Long Beach and several communities in southeastern Los Angeles County, with limited coverage extending into northern Orange County. Here is a clear overview of its location, history, major cities, time zone, users, and dialing rules.
Where Is Area Code 562 Located?
Area code 562 is located mainly in southeastern Los Angeles County. It covers Long Beach and several nearby Gateway Cities, while also serving a small part of northern Orange County. The region lies between central Los Angeles, the Pacific coast, and the Orange County border.
Some of the main cities and communities covered by area code 562 include:
- Long Beach
- Whittier
- Downey
- Norwalk
- Lakewood
- Bellflower
- Cerritos
- La Mirada
- Pico Rivera
- Santa Fe Springs
- Signal Hill
- Paramount
- Hawaiian Gardens
- La Habra
The service area includes coastal neighbourhoods, residential suburbs, manufacturing zones, shopping districts, and port-related facilities.
History of Area Code 562
Area code 562 entered service on January 25, 1997. It was created through a geographic split of area code 310, which had previously served a much larger part of Los Angeles County.
The split supplied additional telephone numbers for Long Beach and southeastern Los Angeles County. Most customers in the new region began using 562, while 310 continued serving western and southwestern Los Angeles County.
Unlike many Southern California area codes, 562 does not currently share its territory with an overlay code. Local numbers continue to use 562, subject to availability.
Time Zone of Area Code 562
Area code 562 follows the Pacific Time Zone. It uses Pacific Standard Time during standard time and Pacific Daylight Time when daylight saving time is observed.
Callers from another state or country should check the time difference before placing a call. Southern California is generally three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone during most of the year.
Major Cities and Their Importance
1. Long Beach
Long Beach is the largest city in the 562 region. It has a major seaport, waterfront attractions, healthcare centres, universities, hotels, manufacturing facilities, logistics companies, and diverse neighbourhoods. The Port of Long Beach supports trade and freight activity across Southern California and the United States.
2. Whittier
Whittier is an established city in southeastern Los Angeles County. Its economy includes education, healthcare, retail, professional services, small businesses, and public administration. It connects with nearby Gateway Cities and the San Gabriel Valley.
3. Downey
Downey is known for residential communities, medical services, shopping areas, schools, restaurants, and civic institutions. Its location and freeway access connect Los Angeles, Long Beach, and northern Orange County.
4. Norwalk
Norwalk is a suburban community and government centre with neighbourhoods, schools, retail districts, healthcare services, transport links, and county facilities. Its location provides access to Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Who Uses Area Code 562?
Area code 562 is used by residents, schools, hospitals, local governments, retailers, manufacturers, logistics companies, port-related businesses, restaurants, hotels, and professional services. It is common across trade, transport, healthcare, education, construction, tourism, and public services.
A 562 number can help a business establish a local presence in Long Beach, Whittier, Downey, Norwalk, Lakewood, or surrounding communities. The code is used for landline, mobile, and internet-based telephone services.
Is Area Code 562 Running Out?
Area code 562 currently operates without an overlay code. Number availability changes as carriers assign, return, and conserve number blocks, but no additional area code is presently active across the region. Any future relief plan would be announced before implementation.
How to Dial Area Code 562
To call a 562 number, use the following dialing methods:
- From within the United States: Dial 562 followed by the seven-digit telephone number. Some landline services may require 1 before the area code.
- From outside the United States: Dial +1 + 562 + the seven-digit telephone number.
- For local calls: Use the complete ten-digit number, including area code 562.
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory for local 562 calls in October 2021 because the region had telephone numbers beginning with the 988 prefix. Save the full number in contacts, security systems, business records, medical devices, and automatic dialing equipment.
Final Thoughts
Area code 562 connects Long Beach and nearby Gateway Cities with residential suburbs, port activity, industrial districts, healthcare centres, schools, shops, and public institutions.
