Looking for the area code for Aurora, Colorado? Aurora is part of the Denver metro and shares its three overlapping codes — 303, 720, and the newest, 983. This guide breaks down exactly which codes cover Aurora and its neighborhoods, how to dial locally and internationally, the ZIP codes involved, and how to protect yourself from scam calls.
Aurora Area Codes: Fast Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code | 303 |
| Overlay Area Codes | 720, 983 |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MST / MDT) |
| Major Counties | Arapahoe, Adams & Douglas |
| Region | Denver Metro / Front Range |
| Country Code | +1 (USA) |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
Aurora is Colorado’s third-largest city, spread across the eastern side of the Denver metro. It uses the same three-code overlay as the rest of the metro:
- Area code 303 — the original Denver-area code, covering Aurora across Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, including neighborhoods such as Del Mar, Hoffman Heights, Aurora Highlands, Southlands, and the area around the Anschutz Medical Campus.
- Area code 720 — the first overlay for the metro, added in 1998.
- Area code 983 — the newest overlay across the same footprint.
Because 720 and 983 overlay 303, all three codes serve identical neighborhoods across Aurora and the wider metro. A number’s code reflects when it was issued, not a specific part of the city.
Spanning three counties, Aurora is one of the most geographically expansive cities in the metro, stretching from the older neighborhoods near Denver out to the fast-growing communities on the southeast plains near Denver International Airport. Because all three codes are issued across this entire area, two neighbors on the same street can easily have 303, 720, and 983 numbers.
Local Dialing Rules & International Calling
Because Aurora is covered by an overlay, the area requires mandatory 10-digit dialing on every call. Always include the area code, even for local calls.
- Local / domestic: dial 303-XXX-XXXX (or 720- / 983-XXX-XXXX).
- 11-digit: you can also dial 1-303-XXX-XXXX; the leading 1 is the country code for the US.
- International: dial your country’s exit code, then +1 303 XXX XXXX — for example, 00 1 303 XXX XXXX from the UK or Europe, or +1 303 XXX XXXX from any mobile phone.
Major ZIP Codes Covered
Aurora’s numbers align with ZIP codes including 80010, 80011, 80012 (original/north Aurora), 80013, 80014, 80015 (central and south), and 80016, 80017, and 80018 (southeast/Southlands).
Spam & Scam Call Warnings for Aurora
Scammers often spoof local 303, 720, and 983 numbers so their calls appear to come from a neighbor or a nearby business. Aurora residents commonly report:
| Scam type | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Government impersonation | Fake IRS or Social Security calls demanding payment |
| Utility (Xcel Energy) impersonation | Threats to shut off power unless you pay immediately |
| Bank & card fraud alerts | Claims of “suspicious activity” seeking account details |
| Auto-warranty robocalls | Recorded warnings that your vehicle warranty is expiring |
To stay safe: never share personal or financial details with an unexpected caller, block suspicious numbers, and verify unfamiliar callers with a reverse phone lookup before calling back. If a call feels urgent or threatening, hang up and call back on an official number. Report unwanted calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at DoNotCall.gov.
Nearby Colorado Cities
Explore area codes for other Denver Metro cities: Denver, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, and Westminster. See more on our Colorado hub or browse all US city area-code guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the area code for Aurora?
Aurora shares the Denver metro codes: primary 303, with 720 and 983 overlaying the same region.
Does Aurora have the same area code as Denver?
Yes. Aurora is part of the Denver metro overlay, so it uses 303, 720, and 983 just like Denver.
What time zone is Aurora in?
Aurora is in the Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT) and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Do I have to dial the area code in Aurora?
Yes — because of the 303/720/983 overlay, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls.
Which counties is Aurora in?
Aurora spans Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, all covered by the Denver metro area codes.
Is Aurora a suburb of Denver?
Aurora is a large city in its own right on the eastern side of the Denver metro, but it shares the metro’s area codes (303, 720, and 983) and the Mountain Time zone.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.