Perched on the Ohio River across from Kentucky, Cincinnati is a historic river city famous for its chili, its Reds and Bengals, and the revitalized Over-the-Rhine district. It is covered by the 513 code and its recent overlay. This guide breaks down Cincinnati’s 513 and 283 codes, the required 10-digit dialing, major ZIP codes, and the scam calls residents should watch for.
Cincinnati Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 513 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 283 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major County | Hamilton County |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
513 – Cincinnati’s Original Code
Area code 513 is one of the original 1947 codes and is synonymous with Cincinnati, covering the city and most of Hamilton County along the Ohio River. A 513 number is a longtime local hallmark.
283 – Cincinnati Overlay
Area code 283 is the 2023 overlay for the 513 region, sharing the same southwestern-Ohio geography. New Cincinnati lines may be issued a 283 number, fully local to existing 513 numbers.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Cincinnati’s 513/283 codes cover a city built on riverfront hills. Downtown and the adjacent Banks district anchor the core along the Ohio River, while the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood — with the largest collection of Italianate architecture in the country — has become one of the Midwest’s liveliest dining and nightlife districts.
Beyond the basin, the same codes climb to the hilltop views of Mount Adams, the leafy streets of Hyde Park and Oakley on the east side, the university district of Clifton around the University of Cincinnati, and the revitalizing Northside and Walnut Hills neighborhoods. The 513/283 codes tie all of Hamilton County together.
Local Dialing Rules & International Format
Cincinnati and the entire 513 region have required 10-digit dialing since the 283 overlay launched — always dial the area code plus the 7-digit number. Dayton to the north uses a separate code, 937, with its own overlay, 326.
To call Cincinnati from outside the United States, dial your country’s exit code, then the U.S. country code +1, followed by the 10-digit number (for example, +1 513 XXX-XXXX). From inside the U.S. and Canada, simply dial 1 before the 10-digit number for long-distance calls.
Major ZIP Codes Covered
The 513 service area spans many of Cincinnati’s core ZIP codes, including 45202, 45203, 45204, 45206, 45219, 45220, 45223, and 45229.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Cincinnati
Cincinnati residents report neighbor-spoofing robocalls faking a local 513 prefix, plus fake utility-shutoff threats from callers posing as Duke Energy. Auto-warranty and fake-toll (E-ZPass) text scams are also common across the region.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 513 prefix to look familiar. |
| Utility / Toll Scams | Threats to shut off power or demand toll payment via gift cards. |
| IRS / Government | Robocalls claiming legal action — agencies never call to demand instant payment. |
Red flag: Any caller who pressures you to pay immediately with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is almost certainly running a scam. Hang up and verify through an official number.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State for every code across the country.
Nearby & Related Ohio Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Cincinnati, OH?
Cincinnati uses area code 513 and its overlay 283, both covering Hamilton County.
Is 326 a Cincinnati area code?
No. 326 is the overlay for the Dayton region (area code 937), not Cincinnati. Cincinnati’s overlay is 283, layered over 513.
Is 283 a real Cincinnati area code?
Yes. 283 is the FCC-approved overlay for the 513 region, added in 2023 to expand number capacity in southwestern Ohio.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Cincinnati?
Yes. With the 283 overlay active, all local calls in the 513 region require 10-digit dialing.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.