The 254 area code serves Central Texas, covering the Waco area, the Fort Cavazos military region around Killeen, and a swath of rural counties between the state’s big metros. Created in 1997 in a split from Fort Worth’s 817 code, it is a geographic area code with deep roots in the heart of Texas. If a 254 number has appeared on your caller ID, this guide explains where it comes from, how to dial it, and how to stay safe from spoofed calls.
Quick Summary: Area Code 254 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area Code | 254 |
| State | Texas (TX) |
| Major Cities | Waco, Killeen, Temple, Belton |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) |
| Country Code | +1 (USA) |
| Overlay Codes | None (standalone) |
Geographic Coverage & Major Cities
Area code 254 covers a large stretch of Central Texas, including McLennan, Bell, Coryell, and Hamilton counties along with many surrounding rural areas. It sits between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to the north and Austin to the south.
Cities and communities served by the 254 area code include:
- Waco – the largest city in the region, home to Baylor University and the Magnolia brand
- Killeen & Harker Heights – communities anchored by Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood)
- Temple & Belton – Bell County cities and regional medical hubs
- Copperas Cove, Gatesville & Stephenville – established Central Texas towns
From college life in Waco to one of the largest military installations in the country, a 254 number reflects the diverse identity of the Central Texas heartland.
A Brief History of Area Code 254
Area code 254 was created in 1997 in a geographic split from the 817 code, which was running short of numbers as the Fort Worth region grew. The new code took in the Waco and Killeen areas and the rural counties of Central Texas. Because it serves a largely non-metropolitan region, 254 has never required an overlay and still covers its territory on a single area code.
Time Zone & Best Time to Call
Numbers in the 254 area code use Central Time (CT). The region observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting from CST (UTC-6) to CDT (UTC-5) between March and November each year.
How to Dial Phone Numbers in Area Code 254
Because 254 has no overlay, both 7-digit and 10-digit local dialing have historically worked, but 10-digit dialing is now the recommended standard across the United States.
Calling within the United States or Canada
- 10-digit dialing: Include the area code – 254-XXX-XXXX.
- 11-digit dialing: You can also dial 1-254-XXX-XXXX; the leading 1 is the NANP country code.
Calling from outside the United States
- Format: [exit code] + 1 + 254 + XXX + XXXX
- From the UK, Europe, or most of Asia/Africa: 00 1 254 XXX XXXX
- From any mobile phone worldwide: +1 254 XXX XXXX
Is Area Code 254 a Scam? Safety & Protection Tips
Area code 254 is a legitimate Texas area code – a call from it is not fraudulent by default. However, scammers frequently spoof local codes like 254, faking the caller ID so their number appears to come from a trusted Central Texas line. Neighbor spoofing, which mimics the first six digits of your own number, is especially common.
Common scam tactics linked to this region
| Scam type | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Government impersonation | Callers posing as the IRS or SSA threatening arrest or fines |
| Bank & card fraud alerts | Claims of “suspicious activity” seeking your account details |
| Military & veteran-benefit scams | Fake VA or benefits calls targeting the Fort Cavazos community |
| Utility shut-off threats | Demands for immediate payment to avoid disconnection |
How to report, block, and look up 254 callers
- Never share personal or financial details with an unexpected caller, however urgent they sound.
- Block the number using your phone’s built-in call-blocking feature or a reputable call-screening app.
- Look up the number with a trusted reverse phone lookup before returning any call.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at DoNotCall.gov.
Nearby & Related Area Codes in Texas
Area code 254 borders several other Texas codes:
- 817 & 682 – Fort Worth, from which 254 split in 1997 (see our 817 area code guide)
- 512 & 737 – Austin to the south (see our 512 area code guide)
- 903 – Northeast Texas to the northeast (see our 903 area code guide)
- 325 – Abilene and West-Central Texas
Explore more codes across the state on our Texas area codes hub, or browse every prefix in our US area codes directory.
↑ 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 Texas:
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 254
Where is the 254 area code located?
Area code 254 covers Central Texas, including Waco, Killeen, Temple, and Belton. It operates on Central Time and split from area code 817 in 1997.
Does the 254 area code have an overlay?
No. Because it serves a largely rural region, 254 has never needed an overlay and still covers its entire territory on a single area code.
Is 254 a landline or cell phone area code?
Both. Area code 254 serves landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP numbers throughout Central Texas.
Should I answer a call from an unknown 254 number?
If you are not expecting the call, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers leave a message, while spoofed or robocall numbers usually will not. Verify any unfamiliar number with a reverse lookup before calling back.
Related 254 Guides
- Is a 254 call safe? Read Is area code 254 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.