History of the 708 Area Code
Table of Contents
- History of the 708 Area Code
- Cicero, Illinois: The Heartland of the 708
- Geographic Scope of the 708 Area Code
- Major Towns and Cities Served by the 708
- Demographic Profile of the 708 Area Code
- Economic Landscape of the 708 Region
- Cultural and Educational Institutions in the 708
- Healthcare and Social Services in the 708 Area
- Transportation and Infrastructure in the 708
- Future Outlook for the 708 Area Code
- FAQ
The 708 area code was created in a nationwide telephone numbering plan implemented in 1947. Initially, it was assigned to the entire state of Illinois, but subsequent area code splits have reduced its coverage to a smaller region.
In 1983, the 312 area code was created to serve Chicago and its immediate suburbs, while the 708 area code continued to serve the western and southern suburbs. In 1997, the 847 area code was introduced to cover the northern suburbs, further dividing the 708 area.
Cicero, Illinois: The Heartland of the 708
Cicero, Illinois is the municipality that is most closely associated with the 708 area code. It is located in Cook County, just west of Chicago, and is considered the "heartland" of the 708 region.
Cicero has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It was originally settled by German immigrants and became a major industrial center. Today, Cicero is a vibrant community with a diverse population and a thriving economy.
Geographic Scope of the 708 Area Code
The 708 area code covers a substantial portion of Cook County, Illinois, as well as parts of Will County. Its northern boundary is approximately I-294, its southern boundary is the Cook-Will County line, its western boundary is the DuPage County line, and its eastern boundary is the Cook-Lake County line.
The area code encompasses numerous towns and cities, including Cicero, Berwyn, Oak Lawn, Burbank, Evergreen Park, and Palos Heights. It also includes portions of Chicago, such as the Bridgeport and Canaryville neighborhoods.
Major Towns and Cities Served by the 708
The 708 area code serves a number of major towns and cities in the western and southern suburbs of Chicago. The largest of these are:
- Cicero
- Berwyn
- Oak Lawn
- Burbank
- Evergreen Park
- Palos Heights
- Bridgeview
- Hickory Hills
- Justice
- Lyons
- McCook
- Summit
- Westchester
These towns and cities offer a wide range of amenities and attractions, including shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and cultural institutions.
Demographic Profile of the 708 Area Code
The 708 area code is home to a diverse population. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the region has a total population of approximately 1.7 million people.
The largest ethnic groups in the 708 area code are:
- White (53.7%)
- Hispanic or Latino (36.4%)
- Black or African American (8.2%)
- Asian (2.5%)
The median age in the 708 area code is 36.6 years, which is slightly older than the national median age of 38.5 years.
Economic Landscape of the 708 Region
The 708 area code has a strong and diverse economy. The region is home to a number of major employers, including:
- Advocate Christ Medical Center
- Amazon
- Archer Daniels Midland
- BMO Harris Bank
- Caterpillar
- Ford Motor Company
- General Electric
- The Home Depot
- Loyola University Chicago
- Rush University Medical Center
- Toyota Motor Sales
The 708 area code is also home to a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs. The region has a strong manufacturing base, as well as a growing service sector.
Cultural and Educational Institutions in the 708
The 708 area code is home to a number of cultural and educational institutions, including:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Field Museum of Natural History
- The Museum of Science and Industry
- The University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
- Loyola University Chicago
- DePaul University
- The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- The Lyric Opera of Chicago
- The Goodman Theatre
These institutions offer a wide range of cultural and educational opportunities for residents of the 708 area code.
Healthcare and Social Services in the 708 Area
The 708 area code has a robust healthcare system, with several major hospitals and medical centers located in the region. These include:
- Advocate Christ Medical Center
- Rush University Medical Center
- MacNeal Hospital
- Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
- Palos Community Hospital
The area code also has a number of social service organizations that provide support to residents, including:
- The Salvation Army
- Catholic Charities
- The United Way
- The American Red Cross
These organizations offer a wide range of services, including food assistance, housing assistance, and counseling.
Transportation and Infrastructure in the 708
The 708 area code is well-connected by transportation infrastructure. The region is served by several major highways, including I-294, I-55, and I-80. It is also served by the Metra commuter rail system and the CTA bus system.
The area code is also home to Chicago Midway International Airport, which provides domestic and international flights.
Future Outlook for the 708 Area Code
The future outlook for the 708 area code is positive. The region is expected to continue to grow in population and economic activity. The area code is also well-positioned to take advantage of the growth in the technology and healthcare sectors.
The 708 area code is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and a promising future.
FAQ
-
What is the 708 area code?
The 708 area code is a telephone area code that serves the western and southern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. -
What is the largest city in the 708 area code?
Cicero is the largest city in the 708 area code. -
What is the population of the 708 area code?
The population of the 708 area code is approximately 1.7 million people. -
What is the median age in the 708 area code?
The median age in the 708 area code is 36.6 years. -
What is the largest employer in the 708 area code?
Advocate Christ Medical Center is the largest employer in the 708 area code.