The 573 Area Code Explained — Missouri Phone Numbers

Area code 573 covers Columbia and surrounding areas in Missouri. It was activated in 1996 as an overlay of area code 314. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 235. For the full picture, see all Missouri area codes.

Quick Facts: Area Code 573

State	Missouri
Primary city	Columbia
Cities also served	Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Hannibal, Farmington, Sikeston
Time zone	Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST)
Year established	January 7, 1996
Original 1947 NPA?	No
Parent code	314
Overlay codes	235
Currently in use?	Yes, actively assigned
Ten-digit dialing required?	Yes

Cities Served by Area Code 573

Area code 573 serves Eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metro area, including the state capital Jefferson City and the Bootheel region along the Mississippi River, including the following cities and communities:

• Columbia
• Jefferson City
• Cape Girardeau
• Rolla
• Poplar Bluff
• Hannibal
• Farmington
• Sikeston

Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 314, 557, 636, 660, 816, 417.

How to Get a 573 Phone Number

There are three ways to get a phone number with the 573 area code, each suited to a different need:

1. Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 573 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 573 inventory.
2. Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 573 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.
3. Port an existing 573 number. If you already have a 573 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 573 numbers due to 911 routing rules.

Looking for a 573 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 573 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 573 numbers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 573 area code still in use?
Yes. 573 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metro area, including the state capital Jefferson City and the Bootheel region along the Mississippi River.

What is the difference between 573 and 235?
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 573?
Area code 573 is an overlay of 314. Both codes serve the same region of Missouri.

Can I get a 573 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 573 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.

Is 573 a scam area code?
No. 573 is a legitimate, active area code for Eastern Missouri outside the St. Louis metro area, including the state capital Jefferson City and the Bootheel region along the Mississippi River. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 573 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Missouri businesses, government offices, and residents.

Related Reading

• Who Invented Area Codes?
• Why Use Area Codes For Local Calls?
• What States Have the Most Area Codes?
• Most Desirable Area Codes

Looking for a different code? See the complete US area code directory.