Minnesota has 8 active area codes serving its major cities and communities across the Central Time Zone. The entire state follows Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT), depending on the season. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, plan business communications across regions, or schedule calls with Minnesota contacts, this guide provides complete and current information about every Minnesota area code.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Area code 924 was introduced in August 2024 as an overlay for the 507 region in southern Minnesota, making 10-digit dialing mandatory in that area.
Quick Reference Table: Minnesota Area Codes
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 218 | Duluth, Moorhead, Bemidji, Brainerd | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 320 | St. Cloud, Willmar, Alexandria | Central (CST/CDT) | Split | 1996 |
| 507 | Rochester, Mankato, Winona, Austin | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1954 |
| 612 | Minneapolis (downtown/central) | Central (CST/CDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 651 | St. Paul, Woodbury, Eagan, Stillwater | Central (CST/CDT) | Split | 1998 |
| 763 | Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids | Central (CST/CDT) | Split | 2000 |
| 924 | Southern Minnesota (overlays 507) – NEW | Central (CST/CDT) | Overlay | 2024 |
| 952 | Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka | Central (CST/CDT) | Split | 2000 |
Detailed Area Code Information
218 - Northern Minnesota
Area code 218 serves northern Minnesota, including Duluth, Moorhead, Bemidji, Brainerd, and International Falls. It covers St. Louis, Itasca, Beltrami, Clay, and Crow Wing counties.
Established in 1947 as one of Minnesota’s two original area codes, 218 operates in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT). It originally covered the entire northern and western portions of the state. Today, it serves approximately 850,000 residents across Minnesota’s largest geographic region, known for natural resources, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Major institutions include the University of Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State University.
320 - Central Minnesota
Area code 320 serves St. Cloud, Willmar, Alexandria, and Hutchinson. It covers Stearns, Kandiyohi, Douglas, and Wright counties.
Created on March 17, 1996, as a split from 612, this Central Time Zone code emerged due to rapid Twin Cities growth and increasing demand from fax machines, pagers, and mobile phones. The area serves approximately 390,000 residents and is home to St. Cloud State University and CentraCare Health, with a mix of agricultural and manufacturing industries.
507 - Southern Minnesota
Area code 507 serves Rochester, Mankato, Winona, Austin, and Owatonna. It covers Olmsted, Blue Earth, Winona, Mower, and Steele counties.
Established in 1954, this Central Time Zone code is home to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. CRITICAL UPDATE: As of August 30, 2024, area code 507 is overlaid by the new 924 area code. Mandatory 10-digit dialing took effect July 30, 2024. The region serves approximately 650,000 residents with major medical technology and food processing industries.
612 - Minneapolis Core
Area code 612 serves downtown Minneapolis, Richfield, and Fort Snelling, primarily covering Hennepin County’s urban core.
One of Minnesota’s original area codes from 1947, 612 initially covered all of southeastern Minnesota and the Twin Cities. Multiple splits created codes 320 (1996), 651 (1998), 763, and 952 (2000). Today, it serves approximately 700,000 residents and is associated with major corporations, the University of Minnesota, and downtown businesses. The 612 code remains a prestigious identifier for urban Minneapolis.
651 - St. Paul and Eastern Metro
Area code 651 serves St. Paul, Eagan, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Stillwater. It covers Ramsey, Washington, and eastern Dakota counties.
Created July 12, 1998, as a split from 612, this Central Time Zone code serves the most populated area in Minnesota with approximately 1.1 million residents. The region includes the Minnesota State Capitol, 3M headquarters, and numerous major employers. St. Paul maintains a distinct identity from Minneapolis while forming an integrated metropolitan area.
763 - Northwest Minneapolis Suburbs
Area code 763 serves Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Blaine, and Plymouth. It covers northern Hennepin County, Anoka County, and parts of Wright County.
Established February 27, 2000, alongside 952 as a split from 612, this code serves approximately 900,000 residents in fast-growing suburban communities. Brooklyn Park is the state’s sixth-largest city. The region includes major retail centers and corporate campuses. Ten-digit dialing is recommended for all calls.
924 - Southern Minnesota (NEW OVERLAY)
Area code 924 overlays the same geographic area as 507, serving Rochester, Mankato, Winona, Austin, and Owatonna in southern Minnesota.
Implementation timeline: permissive 10-digit dialing began January 30, 2024; mandatory 10-digit dialing started July 30, 2024; new 924 numbers began assignment August 30, 2024. The overlay addresses number exhaustion driven by Mayo Clinic expansion and technology sector growth. All phone systems must use 10-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls. Existing 507 numbers remain unchanged.
952 - Southwest Minneapolis Suburbs
Area code 952 serves Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Chaska, and Shakopee. It covers southern Hennepin, Carver, and Scott counties.
Created February 27, 2000, alongside 763 from the 612 split, this code serves approximately 850,000 residents in affluent, commercially developed suburbs. The region includes the Mall of America, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport businesses and numerous corporate headquarters. Many Fortune 500 companies operate in the 952 region.
Understanding Time Zones in Minnesota
Minnesota is entirely within the Central Time Zone. The entire state observes Central Standard Time (CST) during the winter months, which is UTC-6, and Central Daylight Time (CDT) during the summer months, which is UTC-5. Minnesota observes Daylight Saving Time, beginning on the second Sunday in March and ending on the first Sunday in November.
Unlike some larger states, such as Texas, Florida, or Tennessee, that span multiple time zones, Minnesota’s single time zone makes scheduling and communication straightforward across the state. When scheduling calls or meetings with Minnesota contacts, remember these time differences: Minnesota is 1 hour behind Eastern Time, 1 hour ahead of Mountain Time, and 2 hours ahead of Pacific Time.
For businesses operating nationally, the Central Time Zone location provides convenient scheduling options, as Minnesota business hours overlap with both coasts. A 9 a.m. meeting in Minnesota is 10 a.m. on the East Coast and 7 a.m. on the West Coast, making it easier to coordinate across regions.
Minnesota Cities and Their Area Codes
Here are the major Minnesota cities and the area codes that serve them:
- Minneapolis – 612 (central), 763 (northwest areas), 952 (southwest areas)
- St. Paul – 651
- Rochester – 507, 924 (overlay)
- Duluth – 218
- Bloomington – 952
- Brooklyn Park – 763
- Plymouth – 763
- Woodbury – 651
- St. Cloud – 320
- Eagan – 651
- Maple Grove – 763
- Mankato – 507, 924 (overlay)
- Coon Rapids – 763
- Eden Prairie – 952
- Minnetonka – 952
How to Use Area Codes in Minnesota
Dialing requirements in Minnesota vary by region. In the 507/924 overlay area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls, including local calls. This requirement took effect July 30, 2024. Most other regions in Minnesota also require or strongly recommend 10-digit dialing, though practices may vary by carrier.
To make a call within Minnesota, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit phone number. For calls from outside the United States, dial your country’s international access code (often 00 or 011), then +1 (the country code for the United States and Canada), followed by the area code and seven-digit number.
Mobile phone users should always use the full 10-digit format (area code plus number) when dialing or saving contacts to ensure proper call completion. This practice prevents dialing issues when traveling or when area code overlays are implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Minnesota?
Yes, especially in the 507/924 overlay region, where 10-digit dialing became mandatory on July 30, 2024. Most other areas in Minnesota also require 10-digit dialing, though this can vary by carrier and location. To ensure your call completes successfully, always dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number, even for local calls.
What is the oldest area code in Minnesota?
Both 218 and 612 are Minnesota’s oldest area codes, established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan was first created. Originally, 612 served the Twin Cities and southeastern Minnesota, while 218 covered the rest of the state. Area code 507 was added in 1954 as the state’s third area code, serving southern Minnesota.
What is the 924 area code overlay in Minnesota?
The 924 area code is an overlay that covers the same geographic area as 507 in southern Minnesota, including Rochester, Mankato, Winona, Austin, and surrounding communities. Implemented in August 2024 due to number exhaustion, the overlay requires mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls in the region. Both 507 and 924 phone numbers now serve the same area, with new numbers being assigned from either code.
Additional Resources
For more information about Minnesota area codes and telecommunications:
- Minnesota Public Utilities Commission: mn.gov/puc
- North American Numbering Plan Administration: nationalnanpa.com
- FCC Consumer Resources: fcc.gov/consumers