856 Area Code: South Jersey's Number for Camden, Cherry Hill, and the Delaware Valley

Introduction

The 856 area code covers South Jersey — the Delaware Valley side of New Jersey, across the river from Philadelphia. Camden, Cherry Hill, Vineland, Gloucester, and the surrounding region all dial 856. It's a dense, suburban market with strong Philadelphia-metro ties and an economy built on healthcare, retail, logistics, and manufacturing.

Where 856 came from

The 1999 split from 609

The 856 area code was created on June 5, 1999, splitting from the 609 area code to serve the southwestern corner of New Jersey. The split separated South Jersey's Camden County metro from central and Shore Jersey's 609 footprint.

No overlay — still solo

Unlike much of New Jersey, 856 has never needed an overlay code. It remains the single area code for South Jersey's core counties — Camden, Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland — plus parts of Atlantic and Burlington counties.

Ten-digit dialing

New Jersey requires ten-digit dialing statewide. Keep the full area code on all your business materials, CRM records, and listings.

What the 856 market looks like

The Philadelphia-metro connection

Cherry Hill and surrounding communities are effectively Philadelphia suburbs. Many 856 residents commute across the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman Bridge. A South Jersey business serving this market needs both a local feel and the ability to connect with Philly-area buyers.

Camden County's healthcare and education anchor

Cooper University Health System, Rowan University, and a network of healthcare providers anchor Camden County's economy. Healthcare-adjacent businesses — billing, home care, medical staffing — find 856 a productive local market.

Vineland and the agricultural south

Further south, Vineland and Cumberland County run on food processing, agriculture, and light manufacturing. The 856 code connects you to a distinctly different customer profile from the suburbs — one where a local number matters even more.

How to get an 856 number that gets answered

1. 1Claim or port the right line — grab an open 856 number, or port the one already on your signage and listings so you keep its history. [letsdial](/products/business-phone) ports numbers in and out free, both directions.
2. 2Sign every call — apply A-level STIR/SHAKEN attestation so your 856 calls clear as verified. South Jersey gets significant robocall traffic and unsigned calls get screened.
3. 3Register 10DLC for texting — South Jersey customers text appointments, service updates, and inquiries. 10DLC registration keeps your [business SMS](/products/sms-mms) in the inbox.

The takeaway

The 856 area code covers South Jersey's Delaware Valley corridor — suburban Philadelphia commuters, healthcare professionals, and agricultural communities that all value a familiar local number. Get an 856 line, sign every call, and put a real answer behind it.

Frequently Asked Questions