Unveiling the 361 Area Code: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The 361 area code is a telephone numbering plan code (TNPC) serving the Coastal Bend region of Texas, including the cities of Corpus Christi, Victoria, and Beeville. It was created in 1997 as a split from the 512 area code.

Demographics and Coverage

According to the 2020 US Census, the 361 area code covers a population of approximately:

• 1.1 million people
• 410,000 households
• 284,000 families

The region is characterized by a diverse population, including:

• 48.7% Hispanic or Latino
• 33.8% White
• 15.2% African American
• 2.3% Asian

Economic Overview

The 361 area code is an economically vibrant region with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $49.4 billion in 2021.

Key industries include:

• Energy (oil and gas)
• Tourism and hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture

Major employers in the region include:

• Citgo Petroleum Corporation
• Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Citizens Medical Center

Education and Healthcare

The 361 area code provides access to quality education and healthcare:

Educational institutions:

• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Del Mar College
• Victoria College
• Coastal Bend College

Healthcare facilities:

• Citizens Medical Center
• Methodist Healthcare System
• St. Joseph Hospital
• Corpus Christi Medical Center - Bay Area

Places of Interest

The 361 area code is home to numerous cultural and recreational attractions, including:

• Padre Island National Seashore
• Texas State Aquarium
• USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
• Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
• Bayfront Park

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the 361 area code is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Texas.

Median home price:

• $230,000 (2023)

Median rent:

• $1,250 (2023)

Area Code Information

Service area: Coastal Bend region of Texas
Created: 1997
Split from: 512 area code
Number of exchanges: 45
Population covered: 1.1 million (2020)
Counties covered: 13 (full or partial)
Time zone: Central Time (CT)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the 361 area code overlap with any other area codes?

• No, the 361 area code is not overlapped with any other area codes.

2. Can I still use my current 512 area code if I move to the 361 area?

• No, if you move to the 361 area code, you must obtain a new phone number with the 361 area code.

3. What are the prefixes used in the 361 area code?

• Common prefixes include: 226, 299, 334, 651, 855, 987

4. What is the average cost of a phone bill in the 361 area code?

• The average cost of a phone bill in the 361 area code varies depending on the provider and plan, but typically ranges between $50-$100 per month.

Tips and Tricks

• When calling from the 361 area code to another area code, dial the 10-digit number, including the area code.
• If you have a mobile phone with a 361 area code, you can usually keep the same number when you move to a different part of Texas or the United States.
• To report a phone service outage, contact your phone service provider.

Call to Action

• For more information about the 361 area code, visit the website of the Texas Public Utility Commission (TPUC): https://www.puc.texas.gov/

Tables

Table 1: Counties Covered by the 361 Area Code

Table 2: Major Employers in the 361 Area Code

Table 3: Educational Institutions in the 361 Area Code