North Dakota has 1 active area code serving its communities across two time zones. Most of the state follows Central Time, while the southwestern region uses Mountain Time. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, schedule business calls, or understand dialing requirements, this guide provides complete information about North Dakota’s telecommunications system. Area code 701 has served the entire state since 1947 without splits or overlays.

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North Dakota Area Codes

Area CodePrimary Cities/RegionsTime ZoneTypeYear Introduced
701Entire State (All 53 Counties)Central/MountainOriginal1947

Area Code 701: Statewide Coverage

Area code 701 covers the entire state of North Dakota, making it one of only 11 states in the United States with a single area code. This code serves all 53 counties and approximately 779,000 residents. Major cities include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown, West Fargo, Mandan, and Wahpeton. The code extends from the Red River Valley in the east to the Badlands in the west, covering both urban centers and rural agricultural communities.

Historical Significance

Area code 701 is one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Unlike many states that experienced population growth requiring splits or overlays, North Dakota has maintained this single code for over 78 years. This remarkable longevity reflects the state’s stable population growth and efficient number allocation. The North Dakota Public Service Commission oversees telecommunications regulations and monitors number availability.

Current Usage and Number Availability

The 701 area code serves approximately 780,000 active phone lines across residential, commercial, and government users. Number exhaustion is not projected until 2029, meaning no new area codes are anticipated in the near future. Seven-digit dialing remains standard for local calls within North Dakota, though ten-digit dialing is required for calls outside the local exchange. This single code system simplifies telecommunications for residents and businesses throughout the state.

Understanding Time Zones in North Dakota

North Dakota spans two time zones. The majority of the state, including Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot, observes Central Time (CT), which is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time. The southwestern portion of the state, including cities like Bowman and parts of McKenzie County, follows Mountain Time (MT), which is UTC-7 during standard time and UTC-6 during Daylight Saving Time. Both zones observe Daylight Saving Time from March to November.

North Dakota Cities and Their Area Code

CityArea CodeCountyPopulation Rank
Fargo701Cass1
Bismarck701Burleigh2
Grand Forks701Grand Forks3
Minot701Ward4
West Fargo701Cass5
Williston701Williams6
Dickinson701Stark7
Mandan701Morton8
Jamestown701Stutsman9
Wahpeton701Richland10
Devils Lake701Ramsey11
Grafton701Walsh12
Valley City701Barnes13
Rugby701Pierce14
Beulah701Mercer15

How to Use Area Code 701 in North Dakota

Local Calling Requirements

Local calls within North Dakota typically require only seven-digit dialing (XXX-XXXX) when calling within the same exchange. However, some telephone providers may require ten-digit dialing (701-XXX-XXXX) for all calls. Contact your service provider to confirm specific dialing requirements. Calls between different exchanges within the state are considered local or regional, depending on your calling plan.

Calling from Outside North Dakota

When calling North Dakota from elsewhere in the United States or Canada, dial 1 + 701 + seven-digit local number (1-701-XXX-XXXX). For international calls to North Dakota, dial your country’s international access code, followed by 1 (US country code), then 701, and the seven-digit number (example: +1-701-XXX-XXXX). Standard long-distance rates apply for calls from outside the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is North Dakota's only area code?

North Dakota uses area code 701, which covers the entire state, including all 53 counties and major cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.

Why does North Dakota only have one area code?

North Dakota maintains a single area code due to its relatively stable population of approximately 779,000 residents. Number exhaustion is not projected until 2029, eliminating the need for splits or overlays.

What time zones does area code 701 cover?

Area code 701 spans two time zones. Most of the state uses Central Time (CT), while southwestern North Dakota observes Mountain Time (MT). Both zones follow Daylight Saving Time.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in North Dakota?

Most local calls within North Dakota use seven-digit dialing. However, some carriers require ten-digit dialing for all calls. Check with your phone service provider for specific requirements.

When will North Dakota need a new area code?

Based on current projections, North Dakota’s area code 701 is not expected to exhaust until 2029. The North Dakota Public Service Commission monitors number availability and will announce any changes well in advance.

Key Takeaways:

North Dakota’s telecommunications system is one of the simplest in the United States:

  • Single area code: 701 covers the entire state, established in 1947
  • Two time zones: Central Time (most areas) and Mountain Time (southwest region)
  • Statewide coverage: All 53 counties and approximately 779,000 residents
  • Seven-digit dialing: Local calls typically don’t require the area code
  • Future planning: No new area codes needed until approximately 2029
  • Major cities: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot all use 701
  • Original NANP code: One of 86 original area codes from 1947

Additional Resources