Area code 235 covers Columbia and surrounding areas in Missouri. It was activated in 2024 as an overlay of area code 573. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 573. For the full picture, see all Missouri area codes.
| State | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Columbia |
| Cities also served | Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Hannibal, Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, Farmington |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | March 24, 2024 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 573 |
| Overlay codes | 573 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 235
Area code 235 serves Most of eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metropolitan area, including the state capital and major university and river towns, including the following cities and communities:
- Columbia
- Jefferson City
- Cape Girardeau
- Rolla
- Hannibal
- Sikeston
- Poplar Bluff
- Farmington
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 573, 314, 636, 660, 417, 816.
How to Get a 235 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 235 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 235 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 235 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 235 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 235 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 235 number. If you already have a 235 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of Missouri sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 235 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 235 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 235 numbers for Columbia, Missouri — choose your number, port it to any carrier in 3–5 business days, and pay a one-time fee with no monthly charges. Browse available 235 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 235 area code still in use?
Yes. 235 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Most of eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metropolitan area, including the state capital and major university and river towns.
What is the difference between 235 and 573?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Missouri. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 235?
Area code 235 is an overlay of 573. Both codes serve the same region of Missouri.
Can I get a 235 number if I don't live in Missouri?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 235 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 235 a scam area code?
No. 235 is a legitimate, active area code for Most of eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metropolitan area, including the state capital and major university and river towns. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 235 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Missouri businesses, government offices, and residents.
Is area code 235 replacing area code 573?
No. Area code 235 is an overlay, not a replacement. Both 235 and 573 serve the same geographic region in eastern Missouri. Existing 573 numbers did not change; 235 is assigned to new lines and services requested after March 24, 2024.
Why was area code 235 created?
The supply of available telephone numbers in the 573 region was becoming exhausted. The Missouri Public Service Commission approved the 235 overlay to ensure a continuing supply of numbers without forcing existing customers to change their numbers.
Do I need to dial 10 digits when calling within the 235/573 area?
Yes. Because 235 and 573 share the same geography, all local calls within the region require 10-digit dialing — the area code plus the seven-digit number. Three-digit services such as 911 and 988 are unaffected.
What cities does area code 235 serve?
Area code 235 covers most of eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metro area, including Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Hannibal, Sikeston, Poplar Bluff, and Farmington, among others.
