The 515 area code serves central Iowa, anchored by the state capital of Des Moines and the university city of Ames. One of the original area codes assigned in 1947, 515 covers the fast-growing Des Moines metropolitan area and the surrounding central Iowa counties.
Quick Summary of the 515 Area Code
| Area Code | 515 |
| State | Iowa (IA) |
| Region | Central Iowa (Des Moines & Ames) |
| Major Cities | Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, Boone |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – CST / CDT |
| Dialing Format | 7 or 10-digit dialing |
Geographic Coverage
The 515 area code covers central Iowa, centered on Des Moines and its suburbs of West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, and Altoona, and extending north to the university city of Ames and Boone. It sits in the heart of the state and is bordered by the 641 region to the east and south and the 712 region to the west.
Time Zone
The 515 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 Iowa 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 515 number at 11:00 AM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 515 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 515 Number
Area code 515 is not part of an overlay, so it has traditionally allowed 7-digit local dialing. However, 10-digit dialing is now the recommended nationwide standard, and dialing the full 10-digit number (515 + the line number) always works reliably. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 515, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 515 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 515 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, Boone should stay alert to the following common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Callers claiming you owe back taxes and threatening arrest unless you pay immediately. |
| Utility Shut-off | Fake MidAmerican Energy reps demanding payment to avoid disconnection. |
| Bank Fraud Alerts | Robocalls impersonating your bank about “suspicious activity” to phish account details. |
| Grandparent Scam | A caller posing as a relative in trouble asking for emergency wire transfers. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 515 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 Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
- 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 (MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 515 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 515 Region
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Area code 515 is one of the original 86 codes established in 1947, and it once covered a larger swath of central Iowa before 641 was split off in 2000. Des Moines anchors the regional economy as the state capital and one of the largest insurance and financial-services centers in the country – home to Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and Wellmark – earning it a reputation as a Midwestern finance hub. The region is also a center for agribusiness and agriculture, while Ames is home to Iowa State University and the USDA’s National Animal Disease Center, adding research, education, and government to the economy.
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Looking Up a 515 Number
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To identify a 515 caller, use a reverse phone lookup service or search the full 10-digit number online. Many Des Moines businesses, insurers, and government offices list their 515 numbers publicly, so a quick search often confirms a legitimate caller. For unknown numbers, let the call go to voicemail – genuine callers usually leave a message.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
Iowa is served by five area codes. If you are researching 515, these neighboring codes are worth knowing:
- 641 – Central & Southern Iowa / Mason City & Ottumwa
- 319 – Eastern & Cedar Valley / Cedar Rapids & Iowa City
- 712 – Western Iowa / Sioux City & Council Bluffs
- 563 – Eastern & Quad Cities / Davenport & Dubuque
You can also browse our full directory of Iowa 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 Iowa:
- Minnesota – area code 612
- Wisconsin – area code 414
- Illinois – area code 312
- Missouri – area code 314
- Nebraska – area code 402
- South Dakota – area code 605
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 515 area code located?
The 515 area code covers central Iowa, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, and Boone.
Does 515 have an overlay?
No. The 515 area code covers central Iowa on its own and currently has no overlay code.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 515?
Because 515 has no overlay, 7-digit local dialing has historically worked, but dialing the full 10 digits is now the recommended standard and always works.
What time zone is the 515 area code in?
The 515 area code observes Central Time (CST/CDT), like all of Iowa.
Related 515 Guides
- Is a 515 call safe? Read Is area code 515 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Des Moines area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.