The History and Future of the 206 Area Code in Seattle

The History and Future of the 206 Area Code in Seattle

The 206 area code is one of the original area codes established in 1947 and originally covered the entire state of Washington. Over the years as the population grew, 206 was split into multiple area codes, with 206 eventually covering only part of western Washington including the Seattle metropolitan area.

206 is considered one of the most recognized area codes in the United States, especially among Seattle residents. It has become part of the city's identity, with "206" appearing on apparel and merchandise. Many local businesses even incorporate 206 into their names.

When Was the 206 Area Code Established?

The 206 area code was one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947. At first, it covered all of Washington state. This was possible because in 1947 there were only around 16 million telephone lines across the entire United States.

Over the next few decades as the population grew, 206 was split into multiple area codes. In 1957 it lost the 509 area code covering eastern Washington. In 1997 the 425 and 360 area codes were introduced, further dividing up western and central Washington.

Today the 206 area code serves King County, Snohomish County, and part of Pierce County. It includes cities such as Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Tacoma. The major metropolitan areas still keep 206 while outlying areas have been assigned new area codes.

Growth of the Seattle Area

The Seattle metropolitan area has experienced rapid growth in recent decades. Driven by the technology and e-commerce industries, Seattle has become one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing have fueled population and economic growth.

This growth has put pressure on the 206 area code. Despite splitting it into multiple area codes over the past few decades, 206 is once again running out of available phone numbers due to the Seattle area's population and business growth.

The Future of 206 - New Overlays Coming

Based on current projections, the 206 area code will likely run out of assignable phone numbers by the end of 2025. When an area code nears exhaustion, the solution is typically to implement an area code overlay.

An overlay allows multiple area codes to serve the same geographic area. This provides additional phone numbers while allowing existing customers to keep their 206 phone numbers. overlays have become the preferred solution instead of splitting area codes.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has already approved a 564 area code overlay for the region currently covered by 206. The 564 area code will likely begin being issued to new phone numbers sometime before 206 is exhausted by late 2025.

206 - A Seattle Icon

While 206 will remain as an area code well into the future, it has already become an iconic part of Seattle's identity. 206 is seen by many locals as representing the authentic Seattle. It's become a way for businesses, brands, and the community to show their Seattle pride.

You can find 206 on t-shirts, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, business names, and more. Locals identify with 206 even as new overlays get introduced. The 206 area code will likely continue to represent the heart of Seattle for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was 206 implemented as an area code?

The 206 area code was one of the original 86 area codes implemented by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947. It originally covered all of Washington state before being split into multiple area codes over the following decades.

What cities and counties are covered by 206?

The 206 area code today covers cities such as Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland and Tacoma. It spans King, Snohomish and Pierce counties in western Washington.

When will 206 run out of phone numbers?

Based on the current rate of number assignment, 206 is projected to run out of assignable prefixes by the end of 2025.

What is being done to add more phone numbers?

An area code overlay has been approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The 564 area code will be implemented as an overlay for the same region currently covered by 206.

Will existing customers have to change their number?

No, existing customers with 206 phone numbers will be able to keep them. Overlays allow multiple area codes to co-exist in the same geographic region.

How has 206 become an icon of Seattle?

The 206 area code, especially the 206 prefix, has become ingrained in Seattle's culture and identity. Locals incorporate 206 into business names, brands, apparel, and merchandise to show their Seattle pride.

FAQs

What is an area code overlay?

An area code overlay allows multiple area codes to serve the same geographic region. This provides additional phone numbers while allowing existing customers to keep their current phone number.

Will I have to change my phone number to the new 564 area code?

No, existing 206 phone numbers will remain in the 206 area code. The 564 overlay will be introduced for new phone numbers being assigned in the region.

When will I start seeing 564 phone numbers?

The 564 area code will likely start being assigned to new telephone lines sometime before 206 is exhausted by late 2025.

Can I request a new 564 number even if I have 206 now?

No, the 564 overlay will only be used once the 206 area code nears complete exhaustion. Existing customers cannot request a brand new 564 number.

Will all new numbers be 564 going forward?

Initially, both 206 and 564 numbers will be assigned in the overlay region. Once 206 is fully exhausted, only 564 numbers will be available for new customers.