
Overview of 510 Area Code
- Area Code: 510
- Overlay Code: 341 (introduced in July 2019)
- Location: East Bay region, Northern California
- Major Counties: Alameda County, parts of Contra Costa County
- Main Cities Covered: Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Richmond, Alameda, San Leandro
- Nearby Area Codes: 415, 650, 925, 831
- Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT) – UTC?8 (Standard), UTC?7 (Daylight Saving)
- Introduced: September 1991
- Assigned By: California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
- Population in Coverage Area: Approx. 2.8 million (as of 2024, Alameda + Contra Costa Counties)
- Type: Geographic / Local area code
- Overlay Requirement: 10-digit dialing required
- Popular for: Businesses, universities, startups, and local services
The 510 area code is widely recognized in the East Bay region, and if you’re in the area, you’ve likely dialed this number.
This code helps people connect through different cities. Cities like Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, and more. Other than making calls, having this code makes you a part of a community that is full of history, innovation, and energy.
So, where does this area code come from, why does it matter, and what makes it so special? Let’s find out.
Where Is the 510 Area Code Located?
The 510 area code is in the East Bay region of California. This place is home to vibrant communities. This number is one of the most well-known local phone numbers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Additionally, this area is a pool of many potential customers and local opportunities. Nearly 2.8 million people are using area code 510.
Cities and Counties Covered
The 510 area code stretches across most of Alameda County and some parts of Contra Costa County. The major cities are:
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Fermont
- Richmond
And to just name a few more: Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, and El Cerrito.
State & Regional Context
This code is located in the center of Northern California. You’re just across the water from San Francisco, close to the energy of San Jose, and not far from Silicon Valley, where ideas come to life. The East Bay, which is home to UC Berkeley, startups, and prosperous local companies, is an important component of Northern California’s culture and economy.
Nearby Area Codes
To meet the growing demand, the region also has some other cities covered by different area codes as well.
- 341 – It is an overlay code for 510.
- 415 – It covers San Francisco and parts of Marin County.
- 650 – In this code, the suburbs of Silicon Valley get covered.
- 925 – This one reaches inland East Bay communities.
These codes are handy if you want to reach more customers in the Bay Area.
510 Area Code Phone Number Format & How to Dial?
The 510 phone area code format is below:
(510) XXX-XXX
- 510 is the area code.
- After that, the three digits are the exchange code.
- Then the last ones are the subscriber numbers.
Example: If someone gives you the number (510) 555-1234, it means they are using a local number. And it is registered in the East Bay of California.
How to Dial a 510 Number?
Firstly, the steps differ based on where you are calling from. They also depend on the device you are using to make the call.
If you are calling within the US:
Simply dial 1 + 510 + the 7 digit number
For example: 1-510-555-1234
If you are calling from outside the US:
First, dial the country’s exit code (like 011).
Then, dial 1 (U.S. country code) + 510 + the 7-digit number
Example: 011-1-510-555-1234
For mobile phones in the US:
Just dial 510 + number if your phone automatically adds the country code.
Most smartphones take care of this for you.
Time Zone of the 510 Area Code
The 510 area code time zone is the Pacific Time Zone (PT). That means:
- UTC-8 during Standard Time
- UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time
So, if you are in New York (Eastern Time) and it is 12:00 noon, it’s only 9:00 AM in the 510 area.
The time zone matters because, say, you’re calling a business in Oakland. Now, if you forget the time difference, you might catch someone before they have even had their morning coffee. Having an idea of the time zone helps you to:
- Avoid early morning or late night phone calls.
- Respect the business hours of your customers.
- Plan meetings more efficiently.
- If you're across different time zones, it's better to use tools like Google Calendar or World Time Buddy. It can help you plan your meetings accordingly.
History of the 510 Area Code
It all started in September 1991, when the previous area code 415 was split. The population grew, but the numbers were not enough. That’s why the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decided to create 510, allowing the East Bay region to maintain its pace with the fast-growing population and demand as well.
At first, 510 covered many cities and even parts of the Tri-Valley. But expansion is a continuous process. Another split happened.
In 1998, the southern and eastern portions of 510 were split into a new area code, namely 925. This change helped to manage the fast growth in both residential and business sectors.
But, even this split could not match the increasing demand as time went by. More people, more cell phones, and more business lines. In July 2019, the 314 area code was introduced as an overlay to the 510 area code. This allowed for more assigned numbers.
The area code did not split this time. The overlay allowed both area codes, i.e., 510 and 314, to serve the same region. That meant new phone numbers could still be created without changing the existing ones.
- The East Bay’s economy is worth $267.7 billion - that’s as big as the entire economy of Portugal or Peru.
Business Scenario and Outlook in the 510 Area Code
If you want to start a business or grow your existing one, the 510 area code is a great place to be. The main city here is Oakland. It is known for its strong local community, rich culture, and active business scene.
The 510 area code is not just geography. It is a signal that you are plugged into one of California’s most active business regions.
Nearby cities, too, such as Berkeley and Fremont, also add to the region’s strength. You will also find many small businesses, local shops, and fast-growing startups that are spread across the East Bay.
From all walks of life, you can find people here. This region is diverse, thinks forward, and is full of opportunity.
Benefits Of A 510 Phone Number For Business
Other than being able to make calls, a 510 phone number helps your business appear local, build trust, and connect better with people in the East Bay. Let’s look at some of the benefits that this number offers:
1. Local Presence
Even if your team is remote or based outside California, using a 510 phone number shows you as a local business in the region.
2. Gain Trust
When customers see a 510 area code, it feels safe, close, and real. It makes a significant difference, especially when you first contact your potential customers.
3. Enhance Marketing Campaigns
With a 510 area code, your campaign speaks the language of the region. Instantly, it builds trust and makes customers feel like you’re one of their own.
4. Strengthen Brand Image
A 510 phone area code aligns your business with the region’s values of diversity, innovation, and progress. This helps in building long-term loyalty with your customers.
- The CPUC, which oversees all 40 area codes in California, steps in when regions like the East Bay are running out of numbers, making decisions like the 510/341 overlay to keep things running smoothly.
How To Get A 510 Phone Number (From CallHippo)
You don’t need to set up a physical office in any of the cities in this code to get a 510 California phone number. CallHippo is a virtual phone number provider where you can get a 510 phone number by following a few simple steps:
Step 1: Go to CallHippo’s website
Step 2: Sign up and create your account
Step 3: Select United States > California > 510 as your area code
Step 4: Choose the plan and features that best suit your business
Step 5: Activate your number and start calling
That’s it. Your virtual number is ready to go. You can now make and receive calls, manage voicemails, route calls to team members, and even send texts. All of this can be done from your browser or mobile app.

Get your 510 area code number today with CallHippo and start connecting with your customers.
Features To Look For While Selecting A 510 Area Code
Getting a 510 number is just one part of the plan. Having the right features is what makes it useful, especially when you’re handling business calls, customer queries, etc.
Below are the important features to look for when you choose a 510 area code phone number:
1. On-Hold Music
On-hold music keeps callers engaged and gives your brand a polished image. You can even add a short greeting or custom message while they wait.
2. Call Recording
With the call recording feature, you can review conversations, coach your team, or resolve disputes with full context.
3. Local Presence Dialing
When you call someone in the East Bay, your 510 number appears on their screen. This increases the chances of your calls getting answered because it seems familiar and local.
4. Call Forwarding
With call forwarding, you can route incoming calls to your mobile, another team member, or even another department. This helps you never lose touch with a customer.
5. Call Routing
In a call routing system, you can set rules based on time, caller input, or even availability, so every call reaches the right person right away.
6. Real-Time Call Transcription
When you are talking on a call, this feature turns calls into written text. It helps with record-keeping and note-taking.
7. Voicemail
Even if you’re not available, voicemail keeps the communication going. Create custom greetings and receive voice messages by email or app notification.
8. Power Dialer
A power dialer can be a huge time saver for you. It automatically dials one number after another from your call list. This way, you won’t have to do it all manually.
9. Click to Dial
Click to Dial works straight from your browser or CRM. You don’t need to copy and paste or type the number by hand. This keeps your workflow smooth.
10. Live Call Monitoring
With Live call monitoring, you can listen to ongoing calls in real time without any interruptions from the agent or customer. You can even give your team private suggestions using the whisper mode.
Conclusion
The 510 area code is not just a number. It is a local identity. It says you belong here, even if your business is sitting miles away. It shows up where your customers are, not just on a map, but in their minds.
So if the East Bay is part of your plan, make it official. Get your 510 number, and let it do the talking.
FAQs
1. Can I use my 510 number on multiple devices?
Yes, you can! With a virtual phone system like CallHippo, your number can work on your phone, laptop, desktop, and even tablet, all at the same time.
2. Are there any limitations on calls and texts with a 510 area code number?
There are no such limitations. A 510 number works like any other local number. You can make and receive calls or texts as usual. You might just want to check the provider’s plan to know what is included.
3. Do I need to have a physical address in California to get a 510 number?
Not at all! That’s the beauty of virtual phone numbers. You can get a 510 number no matter where you are. You don’t need to have any local office or physical location.
4. Is there an overlay for the 510 area code?
Yes. Area code 341 was added as an overlay to 510 in July 2019. That just means both area codes now cover the same region. New numbers may be assigned with either code.
5. How can I avoid phone scams in the 510 area code?
Follow these simple tips.
- Don’t answer calls from unknown or suspicious numbers.
- Never share personal info over the phone unless you trust the source.
- Use your phone’s spam filter or blocking features.
- If something feels off, hang up. It’s okay to be cautious.
More California Area Code Phone Numbers With CallHippo

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