Kansas has 4 active area codes serving its cities and communities across two time zones. Most of the state follows Central Time, while four western counties use Mountain Time. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, establish a local business presence, schedule calls across different regions, or simply look up information for cities in the state, this guide provides complete and current details about every area code and the zip codes they serve.
Kansas Area Codes: Quick Reference Table
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | Wichita, Derby, Haysville | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 620 | Hutchinson, Dodge City, Garden City | Central/Mountain | Split | 2001 |
| 785 | Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan | (CST/CDT) Central | Split | 1997 |
| 913 | Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe | (CST/CDT) Central | Original | 1947 |
Area Codes Map and Coverage
The state currently uses 4 area codes to serve its population of approximately 2.9 million residents. Area codes in the USA vary by state, and this system maintains one of the more straightforward structures with no overlays. Each code serves a distinct geographic location, making it easy to identify the general location of a caller based on their phone number.
Area Code 316: Wichita and South-Central Region
Coverage:
316 serves the Wichita metropolitan area and surrounding south-central communities. This includes Sedgwick County and parts of Butler, Harvey, and Sumner counties.
Major Cities:
Wichita (the state’s largest city), Andover, Augusta, Derby, El Dorado, Haysville, Newton, and Wellington.
Wichita Area Code Details:
The Wichita area code 316 serves over 640,000 residents, making it the second most populated in the state. Wichita’s primary zip codes include 67201 through 67221, with 316 covering all of them.
History:
316 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan. It originally covered the entire southern half of the state. In 2001, the territory was split, with 620 taking over most of the southern region outside the Wichita metro.
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST, UTC minus 6) and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC minus 5). This location observes Daylight Saving Time.
Dialing Requirements:
Local calls within 316 still allow 7-digit dialing. You do not need to dial the area code for calls within the same location.
Special Considerations:
316 is projected to remain sufficient for the Wichita region through at least 2040, with no plans for an overlay or split currently announced.
Area Code 620: Southern Territory
Coverage:
620 covers most of the southern region outside the Wichita metro, including the far western counties. This is the only area code in the state that spans two time zones.
Major Cities:
Hutchinson, Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Emporia, Great Bend, Hays, and Pratt.
History:
Created on February 3, 2001, area code 620 was split from 316 to address the growing demand for phone numbers in the southern region. The split allowed Wichita to retain 316 while the rest of the south transitioned to 620.
Time Zone Coverage:
Most of 620 is in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT), but four counties in the far western portion are in the Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT). The Mountain Time counties are Sherman, Wallace, Greeley, and Hamilton.
Dialing Requirements:
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory 620 on October 24, 2021. You must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number for all calls, including local calls. This change was implemented to support the 988 suicide prevention hotline.
Special Considerations:
620 covers the largest geographic territory but has a relatively small population of around 380,000 residents. It serves many rural farming communities and small towns across the southern region.
Area Code 785: Northern Territory
Coverage:
785 serves most of the northern region outside the Kansas City metro. This extends from the Nebraska border south to just north of Wichita and from the Colorado border east to the Kansas City suburbs.
Major Cities:
Topeka (the state capital), Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, Hays, Junction City, Abilene, and Emporia.
Topeka and Lawrence Area Code:
Both Topeka and Lawrence use 785. Topeka’s zip codes range from 66601 to 66699, while Lawrence uses zip codes 66044 through 66047, all under 785.
Manhattan Area Code:
Manhattan, home to Kansas State University, uses 785 and serves zip codes 66502 through 66506.
History:
785 was created on July 20, 1997, when the original 913 was split. 913 was reduced to only the Kansas City metro, while 785 took over the rest of the northern region, including the state capital of Topeka. Permissive dialing (allowing both 913 and 785) continued until October 2, 1998.
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST, UTC minus 6) and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC minus 5). All of 785 observes Daylight Saving Time.
Dialing Requirements:
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in 785 on October 24, 2021. All calls require dialing the area code plus the seven-digit number, even for local calls within the same location.
Special Considerations:
785 serves approximately 620,000 residents and covers major educational institutions, including Kansas State University in Manhattan and the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Area Code 913: Kansas City Metro
Coverage:
913 serves the northeastern region, primarily the state side of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This covers eight counties: Wyandotte, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Atchison, Linn, and portions of Doniphan and Douglas counties.
Major Cities:
Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, Leavenworth, Gardner, and Prairie Village.
Kansas City Area Code 913:
The 913 area code specifically serves the state side of the Kansas City metro. Kansas City on the state side uses zip codes 66101 through 66119, all within 913. Note that Kansas City, Missouri, across the state line, uses different codes (816 and 975).
Kansas City Zip Code Information:
Kansas City straddles the state border. The state-side zip codes (66101-66119) use 913, while the Missouri side zip codes (64101-64199) use 816 or 975.
Overland Park Area Code:
Overland Park, the second-largest city in the state, uses 913 and serves zip codes 66204 through 66223.
History:
913 is one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947. It originally covered the entire northern half of the state. In 1997, 913 was significantly reduced when 785 was created. 913 was retained only for the Kansas City metropolitan region and a small ribbon of counties along the Missouri border.
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time (CST, UTC minus 6) and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC minus 5). All of 913 observes Daylight Saving Time.
Dialing Requirements:
913 still allows 7-digit dialing for local calls. You do not need to dial the area code when calling within the same location.
Special Considerations:
913 is the most populated in the state, serving approximately 800,000 residents. The Kansas City metro continues to grow, but projections indicate that 913 will not exhaust its available phone numbers until at least 2045, meaning no overlay or split is anticipated in the near future.
Kansas City Area Code Map:
913 forms a narrow corridor along the eastern edge of the state, bordering Missouri. This strategic placement serves the densely populated Kansas City suburbs while avoiding overlap with Missouri’s codes.
Understanding Time Zones
The state spans two time zones, though the vast majority follows Central Time. Understanding these time zones is essential when scheduling calls or business meetings across different locations.
Central Time Zone:
101 of the state’s 105 counties are in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT, UTC minus 6 during standard time, UTC minus 5 during daylight saving time). This includes all major cities like Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, Overland Park, Olathe, Manhattan, and most other population centers.
Mountain Time Zone:
Only four counties in the far western portion observe Mountain Time (MST/MDT, UTC minus 7 during standard time, UTC minus 6 during daylight saving time). These counties are Sherman, Wallace, Greeley, and Hamilton. All are served by 620.
Daylight Saving Time:
All parts of the state observe Daylight Saving Time, beginning on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November.
Practical Scheduling Tips:
When calling from the eastern region (913, 785, 316, or most of 620) to the four western Mountain Time counties, remember there is a one-hour time difference. If it is 3:00 PM in Wichita or Kansas City, it is 2:00 PM in these western counties.
Major Cities and Their Area Codes
Here are the largest cities with their respective codes and key zip code information:
- Wichita – Area Code: 316 | Zip Codes: 67201-67221 | Population: ~390,000
- Overland Park – Area Code: 913 | Zip Codes: 66204-66223 | Population: ~195,000
- Kansas City – Area Code: 913 | Zip Codes: 66101-66119 | Population: ~155,000
- Olathe – Area Code: 913 | Zip Codes: 66061-66063 | Population: ~140,000
- Topeka – Area Code: 785 | Zip Codes: 66601-66699 | Population: ~125,000
- Lawrence – Area Code: 785 | Zip Codes: 66044-66047 | Population: ~98,000
- Shawnee – Area Code: 913 | Zip Codes: 66203, 66216-66227 | Population: ~67,000
- Manhattan – Area Code: 785 | Zip Codes: 66502-66506 | Population: ~55,000
- Lenexa – Area Code: 913 | Zip Codes: 66215, 66219-66220, 66227 | Population: ~55,000
- Salina – Area Code: 785 | Zip Codes: 67401-67402 | Population: ~47,000
- Hutchinson – Area Code: 620 | Zip Codes: 67501-67505 | Population: ~40,000
- Leavenworth – Area Code: 913 | Zip Codes: 66027, 66048 | Population: ~36,000
How to Use Area Codes
Understanding dialing requirements depends on which code you are calling from or to.
For 316 and 913 (7-Digit Dialing):
- Local calls within the same location: Dial the 7-digit number
- Calls to other codes in the state: Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number
- Out-of-state calls: Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number
For 620 and 785 (10-Digit Dialing Required):
- All calls, including local: Dial area code + 7-digit number (or 1 + area code + 7-digit number)
- The “1” is optional for local calls but required for long-distance calls
International Callers:
- Dial +1 + area code + 7-digit number
- Example: +1-316-555-0123 for a Wichita number
Why 10-Digit Dialing? 620 and 785 implemented mandatory 10-digit dialing in October 2021 to support the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The three-digit 988 works similarly to 911, and 10-digit dialing prevents confusion with phone numbers beginning with 988.
Mobile Phone Considerations: Most modern cell phones automatically add the code when you save a contact, making the dialing process seamless regardless of which location you are in.
How Many Area Codes Does the State Have?
The state has exactly 4 area codes, fewer than many other states in the USA. For comparison, California has over 30 area codes, Texas has 29, and New York has 19. The relatively small population (approximately 2.9 million residents) and geographic distribution allow for efficient coverage with just four codes.
Area Codes Map Distribution:
- 316: South-central region (Wichita)
- 620: Southern and western territory (excluding Wichita)
- 785: Northern territory (excluding Kansas City metro)
- 913: Northeastern region (Kansas City metro)
This four-code system has proven adequate, with no overlays currently implemented. The telephone system is considered one of the more straightforward in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does the state have?
The state has 4 active area codes: 316, 620, 785, and 913. These four codes serve the entire state, covering all 105 counties across approximately 82,000 square miles. This four-code system has been maintained since 2001, when 620 was introduced.
What time zone is the state in?
Most of the state (101 of 105 counties) is in the Central Time Zone. Four counties in the far western part (Sherman, Wallace, Greeley, and Hamilton) are in the Mountain Time Zone. All parts observe Daylight Saving Time.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls?
It depends on which code you are calling from. 620 and 785 require 10-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls, since October 2021. 316 and 913 still allow 7-digit dialing for local calls within the same location.
What is the oldest area code in the state?
The state has two original codes from 1947: 316 and 913. These were among the 86 original codes established when AT&T created the North American Numbering Plan. 316 served the southern region, while 913 served the northern region. Both have been reduced in size over the years but remain active today.
Are new area codes planned?
No new codes are currently planned. Projections from the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) indicate that all four existing codes have sufficient capacity through at least 2040. 913, the most populous, is not expected to exhaust until approximately 2045.
Which counties are in Mountain Time?
Four counties in the far western portion observe Mountain Time: Sherman, Wallace, Greeley, and Hamilton. All four counties are served by 620. The remaining 101 counties are in the Central Time Zone.
Why do 785 and 620 require 10-digit dialing?
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in these locations on October 24, 2021, to support the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The new three-digit 988 could potentially conflict with phone numbers beginning with 988-XXXX if only seven digits were dialed, so 10-digit dialing eliminates this ambiguity.
What is the most populated area code?
913, serving the Kansas City metropolitan region in the northeastern part, is the most populated, with approximately 800,000 residents. This includes major cities like Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee. 316 (Wichita) is second with about 640,000 residents.
Are there any area code overlays in the state?
No, the state does not currently have any overlays. Each of the four codes (316, 620, 785, 913) serves a distinct geographic location with no overlap. This makes it one of the simpler states for identification and dialing.
When was the last new area code added?
The most recent code added was 620, which went into service on February 3, 2001. It was created by splitting 316, with Wichita retaining 316 and the rest of the southern region receiving 620. No codes have been added in over 20 years.
What is the Kansas City zip code and area code?
Kansas City straddles two states with different codes. Kansas City on the state side uses 913 and zip codes 66101 through 66119. Kansas City, Missouri, uses 816 or 975 and zip codes ranging from 64101 to 64199. When providing your Kansas City address, always specify whether you are on the state side or in Missouri to avoid confusion.
How do I find zip codes for cities in the state?
Each city has designated zip codes that correspond to specific neighborhoods or delivery locations. Major cities like Wichita use multiple zip codes (67201-67221), while smaller towns may have just one. You can identify the general code by the zip code range, as different locations typically have distinct zip code prefixes.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about specific cities and their codes:
- State Corporation Commission: Official telecommunications regulator
- NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administration): Official source for assignments and changes
- Local Time Zone Information: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Zip Code Directories: United States Postal Service (USPS)
Stay Updated on Area Code Changes
While no changes are currently planned through 2045, staying informed about potential updates is important for businesses and residents. Any new assignments, overlay implementations, or dialing requirement changes would be announced at least 12 months in advance by the State Corporation Commission and NANPA.
For the most current information about area codes, time zones, and zip codes in the state, bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates.