North Carolina · Eastern Time
252 Area Code
Area code 252 is in North Carolina, serving eastern North Carolina, from Greenville and Rocky Mount to the Outer Banks. It is in the Eastern Time zone.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 252 area code?
252 is a North Carolina area code covering eastern North Carolina, from Greenville and Rocky Mount to the Outer Banks. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 252 area code
- Greenville
- Rocky Mount
- Wilson
- New Bern
- Kinston
- Elizabeth City
- Roanoke Rapids
- Havelock
- Washington
- Tarboro
- Morehead City
- Kill Devil Hills
- Ahoskie
- Nags Head
Counties served by 252
Pitt County, Nash County, Edgecombe County, Wilson County, Craven County, Lenoir County, Pasquotank County, Halifax County, Beaufort County and Dare County.
Dialing 252
Greenville, NC is currently served by the single area code 252, with no overlay. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
From outside the US, dial +1 252 followed by the seven-digit number.
History of the 252 area code
252 went into service on March 22, 1998, created when it was split from 919. It serves Greenville and the surrounding part of North Carolina. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 252 a scam or spam risk?
252 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 252 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Greenville, NC or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other North Carolina area codes
Explore more
See every code in North Carolina, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 2XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
252 area code FAQ
Where is the 252 area code?
The 252 area code is in North Carolina, covering eastern North Carolina, from Greenville and Rocky Mount to the Outer Banks, in the South region.
What cities are in the 252 area code?
Cities in the 252 area code include Greenville, Rocky Mount, Wilson, New Bern, Kinston, Elizabeth City, Roanoke Rapids, Havelock, Washington and Tarboro.
What time zone is 252 in?
252 is in the Eastern Time zone.
When did the 252 area code start?
252 went into service on March 22, 1998.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 252?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 252 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 252 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.