Missouri · Central Time
235 Area Code
Area code 235 is in Missouri, serving eastern and central Missouri outside St. Louis, from Columbia to the Bootheel. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 573, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 235 area code?
235 is a Missouri area code covering eastern and central Missouri outside St. Louis, from Columbia to the Bootheel. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 235 area code
- Columbia
- Jefferson City
- Cape Girardeau
- Rolla
- Poplar Bluff
- Sikeston
- Farmington
- Hannibal
- Mexico
- Fulton
- Osage Beach
- Kennett
Counties served by 235
Boone County, Cole County, Cape Girardeau County, Phelps County, Butler County, Scott County, St. Francois County, Marion County, Callaway County and Audrain County.
235 overlay codes and dialing
The 235 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 235, 573. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 573. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 235 area code
235 went into service on March 24, 2024 as an overlay of 573, relieving number exhaustion in the Columbia area. Rather than splitting the region, the overlay lets existing customers keep their numbers while new lines draw from the added code. Learn more in our overlay guide.
Is 235 a scam or spam risk?
235 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 235 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Columbia, MO or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Missouri area codes
Explore more
See every code in Missouri, compare codes across the Midwest region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 2XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
235 area code FAQ
Where is the 235 area code?
The 235 area code is in Missouri, covering eastern and central Missouri outside St. Louis, from Columbia to the Bootheel, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 235 area code?
Cities in the 235 area code include Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Farmington, Hannibal, Mexico and Fulton.
What time zone is 235 in?
235 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 235 area code?
235 shares its territory with 573. Both codes (235, 573) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 235 area code start?
235 went into service on March 24, 2024 as an overlay of 573.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 235?
Yes. Because 235 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 235 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 235 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.