Rochester, New York is served by a single area code, 585. Split from 716 in 2001, it covers the city of Rochester, all of Monroe County, and much of the western Finger Lakes region. Because 585 has no overlay, 7-digit local dialing has historically worked, though 10-digit dialing is now the standard.
Fast Facts: Rochester Area Codes
| City | Rochester, New York |
| Primary Area Code(s) | 585 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | None |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major Counties | Monroe (and the western Finger Lakes) |
| Dialing | 7 or 10-digit |
Area Codes in Rochester – Detailed Breakdown
585 – Rochester, Monroe County & the Finger Lakes
The 585 area code covers the city of Rochester and the surrounding Monroe County suburbs, along with a wide swath of the western Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley. It was created in 2001 when it split from the Buffalo 716 code.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
The 585 code covers every Rochester neighborhood, including Downtown, the East End, Park Avenue, the South Wedge, Corn Hill, the Neighborhood of the Arts, Highland Park, and the 19th Ward. It also serves the surrounding Monroe County suburbs – Irondequoit, Greece, Brighton, Pittsford, Penfield, Webster, and Henrietta – and extends into the western Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley. Every landline and mobile number in this region shares the same 585 code.
Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and sits on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River. Its 585 area code was created in 2001, split from the Buffalo 716 code, and has served the region on its own ever since with no overlay. The city’s heritage as the home of Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb still shapes a regional economy strong in optics, imaging, healthcare, and higher education at the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology.
Local Dialing Rules & International Calls
Because 585 has no overlay, 7-digit local dialing has traditionally worked within the region, but dialing the full 10 digits is now the recommended standard and always works. To call a Rochester number from outside the United States, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then the 10-digit number (area code + seven-digit line number).
Major ZIP Codes in Rochester
Rochester ZIP codes run roughly 14602–14627, with surrounding Monroe County suburbs covered by nearby 144xx and 145xx codes.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Rochester
Scammers often spoof local Rochester numbers to seem trustworthy. Watch for these tactics reported across the area:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Utility Shut-off | Fake RG&E reps threatening to cut power unless you pay immediately by gift card. |
| Tech Support Fraud | Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected and asking for remote access. |
| IRS / Tax Scam | Callers threatening arrest over supposed unpaid taxes, demanding gift cards or wire transfers. |
| Medicare / Health Scam | Robocalls seeking Medicare numbers under the guise of free braces or test kits. |
Red Flag: The IRS, Social Security Administration, and utilities like RG&E (Rochester Gas and Electric) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Hang up and verify using an official number.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Rochester, New York?
Rochester is served by the 585 area code, which covers the city, Monroe County, and the western Finger Lakes.
Does Rochester have an overlay area code?
No. Rochester and the 585 region are served by a single area code with no overlay.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Rochester?
Because 585 has no overlay, 7-digit dialing has historically worked, but 10-digit dialing is now the recommended standard.
When was the 585 area code created?
The 585 area code was created in 2001 when it split from the 716 (Buffalo) area code.
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