The 235 area code is the newest overlay serving central and eastern Missouri. Introduced in 2024, it was layered directly on top of the established 573 area code to supply fresh phone numbers across a broad region that includes Columbia, Jefferson City, and Cape Girardeau.
Quick Summary of the 235 Area Code
| Area Code | 235 |
| State | Missouri (MO) |
| Region | Central & Eastern Missouri (Columbia & Jefferson City) |
| Major Cities | Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Kirksville, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Hannibal |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – CST / CDT |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Geographic Coverage
The 235 area code shares an identical footprint with 573, covering Columbia and the capital Jefferson City in central Missouri, Cape Girardeau and the Bootheel cities of Sikeston and Poplar Bluff to the southeast, Rolla to the southwest, Kirksville to the north, and Hannibal to the northeast. Because it is an overlay rather than a separate region, a 235 number and a 573 number can exist on the same street.
Time Zone
The 235 area code observes Central Time (CT). Clocks follow Central Standard Time (UTC−6) in winter and shift to Central Daylight Time (UTC−5) from mid-March through early November. All of Missouri is on Central Time. From the West Coast, this region is two hours ahead of Pacific Time, so a 9:00 AM call in California reaches a 235 number at 11:00 AM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 235 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 235 Number
Because area code 235 operates as part of an overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local and long-distance call. You must dial the full 10-digit number (235 + the seven-digit line number) even when calling a neighbor across the street. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 235, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 235 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 235 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Kirksville, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Hannibal should stay alert to the following common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Threatening calls demanding immediate tax payment via gift cards or wire transfer. |
| Utility Shut-off | Impostors claiming to be Ameren Missouri threatening to cut power unless you pay now. |
| Tech Support Fraud | Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected and asking for remote access. |
| Prize / Lottery Scam | Calls saying you won a prize but must pay a “fee” or “tax” to claim it. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 235 number, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Do not share personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over the phone.
- Hang up and verify by calling the organization back using an official number from its website.
- Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
- Block the number and consider registering with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Red Flag: Legitimate agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your local utility company (Ameren Missouri or Evergy) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 235 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 235 Region
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The 235 area code entered service in 2024 as an overlay for the entire 573 region, making it one of the newest area codes in Missouri. Overlays let regulators add a fresh supply of phone numbers to a crowded area without forcing existing customers to change their established numbers, so 235 covers precisely the same cities as 573. The regional economy is anchored by the University of Missouri and a strong healthcare and insurance sector in Columbia, state government in Jefferson City, river commerce and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, and extensive agriculture across the Bootheel. Because 235 is brand new, it appears almost exclusively on recently activated phone lines.
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Looking Up a 235 Number
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To identify a 235 caller, use a reverse phone lookup or search the complete 10-digit number online. Because 235 is the newest code in central and eastern Missouri, many numbers will have little or no public footprint yet, so treat unexpected 235 calls with extra caution and never share sensitive information with an unverified caller.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
Missouri is served by several area codes. If you are researching 235, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:
- 573 – Central & Eastern MO (overlay partner)
- 314 – St. Louis city & county
- 636 – St. Louis suburbs / East Central MO
- 816 – Kansas City metro
- 417 – Southwest MO / Springfield
You can also browse our full directory of Missouri area codes for more regional guides.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State – every area code across all 50 states in one directory.
Explore Neighboring States
Researching area codes just across the state line? Start with these codes in the states that border Missouri:
- Iowa – area code 515
- Illinois – area code 312
- Kentucky – area code 502
- Tennessee – area code 615
- Arkansas – area code 501
- Oklahoma – area code 405
- Kansas – area code 316
- Nebraska – area code 402
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 235 area code located?
The 235 area code serves central and eastern Missouri as the newest overlay of 573, covering Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Kirksville, and Hannibal.
Why does 235 cover the same area as 573?
235 is an overlay added in 2024 because the 573 region ran short of available phone numbers. Both codes serve the exact same geographic area.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 235?
Yes. Overlay area codes like 235 always require 10-digit dialing for local calls.
Is 235 a new area code?
Yes. Introduced in 2024, 235 is one of the newest area codes in Missouri and observes Central Time (CST/CDT).
Related 235 Guides
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.