Area Code 235 – Missouri
The phone area code for Missouri is 235 (international format +1235). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 235
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Missouri
Overview of Area Code 235
Area code 235 is a geographic North American Numbering Plan (NANP) code assigned to the state of Missouri, United States. It is an overlay code serving the same region as area code 573, which covers central and eastern Missouri, including the state capital Jefferson City and the Columbia metropolitan area. The overlay was introduced to meet the growing demand for telecommunication services without requiring existing customers to change their numbers.
Geographic Coverage and Major Cities
The 235/573 overlay region encompasses a diverse area of Missouri, including the cities of Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, and Rolla. This region is home to the University of Missouri, several state government offices, and a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities. The overlay does not follow county lines strictly but generally covers the central and southeastern portions of the state.
Dialing Procedures
For local calls within the 235/573 overlay area, ten-digit dialing is mandatory. This means callers must dial the area code plus the seven-digit local number, even for calls to nearby neighbors. For example, to call a local number in Columbia, you would dial 235-XXX-XXXX or 573-XXX-XXXX. For international calls from outside the United States, callers must dial their country's exit code, then the US country code 1, followed by the area code and number. For instance, from the UK, you would dial 00 1 235 XXX XXXX.
Numbering and Regulatory Details
Area code 235 is an overlay code, meaning it does not have a specific geographic boundary separate from 573; both codes serve the same area. This approach was adopted by the Missouri Public Service Commission to conserve numbering resources. As a result, new telephone numbers in the region may be assigned either 235 or 573 prefixes. The overlay also ensures that customers can keep their existing numbers when switching service providers, a process known as local number portability.
Caller Instructions
For local callers within the overlay, always include the area code. For long-distance calls within the United States, dial 1 plus the area code and number (e.g., 1-235-XXX-XXXX). For international callers, replace the leading 1 with your country's exit code. It is important to note that area code 235 is not a separate service area; it is a geographic code used for routing calls to the same physical region as 573.