Iowa has 5 active area codes serving communities across the state in the Central Time Zone. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, establish business communications, or schedule calls across regions, this guide provides accurate and current information about every area code in Iowa.
The five codes divide the state geographically, with three original codes from 1947 and two additions from 2000 and 2001 to meet growing telecommunications demand.
Quick Reference Table
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 319 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 515 | Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 563 | Davenport, Dubuque, Bettendorf | Central (CST/CDT) | Split | 2000 |
| 641 | Mason City, Ottumwa, Marshalltown | Central (CST/CDT) | Split | 2000 |
| 712 | Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Storm Lake | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1947 |
Understanding Iowa's Five Area Codes
Area Code 319
319 serves eastern Iowa, covering major cities including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Burlington, and Cedar Falls. Established in 1947 as one of Iowa’s three original area codes, 319 is the most populated in the state with approximately 800,000 residents.
This region includes several counties in the southeastern and east-central parts of this state and is home to major educational institutions and manufacturing centers. The area code originally extended to Dubuque before that city was assigned to area code 563 in 2001.
Area Code 515
The 515 area code covers north-central Iowa, including the state capital, Des Moines, and surrounding metropolitan areas such as Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Fort Dodge. As one of the original 1947 area codes, 515 serves the heart of the state’s political and economic activity.
This region spans approximately 20 counties, including Polk County, Story County, and Dallas County. Des Moines serves as the state’s largest city and primary business hub, making this one of the state’s most economically significant areas.
Area Code 563
Area code 563 was introduced in November 2000 to serve northeastern Iowa, covering cities such as Davenport, Dubuque, Clinton, and Muscatine. This area code was created through a split from the original 319 area code to address growing telephone number demand.
The region sits along the Mississippi River and includes the Quad Cities area, which extends into Illinois. This area code supports a mix of urban centers and rural communities across the northeastern corner of the state.
Area Code 641 (Iowa Area Code 641)
Located in south-central and portions of central Iowa, the 641 stretches across 40 counties and numerous communities. Major cities include Mason City, Ottumwa, Marshalltown, and Pella. This area code was established in February 2000 through a split from area code 515 to ensure adequate telephone number availability.
The region is largely agricultural with smaller urban centers and covers one of the largest geographic areas among the state codes. The diverse coverage area includes everything from prairie landscapes to historic river towns.
Area Code 712 (Area Code 712 Iowa)
The 712 serves the western portion of the state, covering approximately one-fifth of its geography. Major cities in this region include Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Spencer, Storm Lake, and Carroll. As one of the three original 1947 area codes, 712 has served western Iowa for nearly eight decades.
The region borders the Missouri River valley and includes communities engaged primarily in agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing. This area code connects Iowa’s western communities to neighboring Nebraska and South Dakota.
Iowa Time Zone Information
The entire state operates in the Central Time Zone, making scheduling across the state straightforward. During standard time (November through March), this state observes Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6. During daylight saving time (March through November), the state follows Central Daylight Time (CDT) at UTC-5.
All five Iowa area codes follow the same time zone, which simplifies business communications and personal calls across the state. When scheduling calls with Iowa contacts, remember that Central Time is one hour behind Eastern Time, one hour ahead of Mountain Time, and two hours ahead of Pacific Time.
This consistency across all Iowa regions makes it easy to coordinate meetings and calls without worrying about different time zones within the state.
How to Use Iowa Area Codes
This state currently requires 10-digit dialing for most calls, meaning you must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number even for local calls within the same area code. This requirement helps prevent confusion and prepares the telecommunications system for potential future changes.
When calling within Iowa from another Iowa number, dial 1 plus the area code plus the seven-digit number for long-distance calls between different area codes. For calls from outside Iowa, dial 1 plus the Iowa area code plus the local number. International callers should dial their country’s exit code, then 1 (the US country code), then the Iowa area code and local number.
Mobile phones automatically handle area code requirements, but it’s good practice to save contacts with full 10-digit numbers. Business communications benefit from clear area code usage to ensure calls route properly through modern telecommunications networks.
Iowa Cities and Their Area Codes
The largest cities are spread across different area codes:
- Des Moines (515) – State capital and largest city, population center of central Iowa
- Cedar Rapids (319) – Second-largest city, eastern Iowa cultural and economic hub
- Davenport (563) – Part of the Quad Cities, sits along the Mississippi River
- Sioux City (712) – Western Iowa’s largest city, Missouri River valley location
- Iowa City (319) – Home to the University of Iowa, southeastern Iowa
- Waterloo (319) – Manufacturing center in northeastern Iowa
- Council Bluffs (712) – Western Iowa city across from Omaha, Nebraska
- Ames (515) – Home to Iowa State University, central Iowa
- Dubuque (563) – Historic river city, northeastern Iowa
- West Des Moines (515) – Suburban community in the Des Moines metro area
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does Iowa have?
Iowa has five active area codes: 319, 515, 563, 641, and 712. Three of these (319, 515, and 712) were original codes established in 1947, while two (641 and 563) were added in 2000 to meet increased demand for telephone numbers. No additional area codes are currently planned for Iowa, as the existing codes have sufficient capacity to serve the state’s telecommunications needs for the foreseeable future.
What is the oldest area code in Iowa?
The three oldest area codes in Iowa are 319, 515, and 712, all established simultaneously on January 1, 1947, when the North American Numbering Plan was first implemented. These original codes divided Iowa into eastern, central, and western regions, respectively. They have served Iowa continuously for over 75 years and remain some of the longest-serving area codes in the United States.
Does Iowa have any overlay area codes?
No, Iowa does not currently have any overlay area codes. An overlay occurs when a new area code is assigned to the same geographic region as an existing code, requiring residents to distinguish between multiple codes in the same area. Iowa is one of the few states that has avoided implementing overlay codes, instead using geographic splits when new codes were needed in 2000.
What time zone is Iowa in?
Iowa operates entirely within the Central Time Zone. The state observes Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6) during the winter months and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5) during the summer months. Unlike some states that span multiple time zones, Iowa’s single time zone makes scheduling and communication consistent across all area codes.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa generally requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls within the same area code. This means you need to dial the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number, even when calling a neighbor. The 10-digit dialing requirement was implemented to standardize calling procedures and prepare the telecommunications infrastructure for future needs.
Are new area codes planned for Iowa?
No new area codes are currently planned for Iowa. According to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, none of Iowa’s five existing area codes is expected to experience number exhaustion in the immediate future. The state’s stable population growth and efficient number allocation mean the current five area codes should serve Iowa’s needs for many years to come.
Which Iowa area code covers Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital and largest city, is served by area code 515. This area code covers the entire Des Moines metropolitan area, including suburbs like West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and other surrounding communities. Area code 515 has served the Des Moines region since 1947 and remains one of Iowa’s most recognizable area codes.
How do I identify unknown Iowa callers?
You can identify callers from Iowa by recognizing the five Iowa area codes: 319, 515, 563, 641, and 712. Any call starting with one of these area codes originates from Iowa. Many phone services and apps offer reverse phone lookup features that can provide additional details about unknown callers. Being aware of Iowa’s area codes helps you distinguish legitimate Iowa calls from potential scam calls originating from other states or countries.
Check if a new area code is coming for your state in 2026.
Additional Resources
For the most current information about Iowa area codes and telecommunications regulations, consult these official resources:
- NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administration) – Official area code database and assignments
- Iowa Utilities Board – State-level telecommunications regulations and consumer protection
- FCC (Federal Communications Commission) – Federal telecommunications policy and oversight
Understanding Iowa’s area code system helps you communicate effectively across the state, identify callers accurately, and establish trusted local business connections. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or frequent caller to Iowa, knowing these five area codes and their coverage areas ensures smooth and efficient communications.