Home to the University of Missouri and midway between Kansas City and St. Louis, Columbia is a lively college town and the hub of mid-Missouri. It is covered by the 573 code and its new overlay. This guide breaks down Columbia’s 573 and 235 codes, the required 10-digit dialing, major ZIP codes, and local scam warnings. (Note: this covers Columbia, Missouri, not Columbia, South Carolina.)
Columbia Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 573 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 235 |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – CST / CDT |
| Major County | Boone County |
| Region | Mid-Missouri (Outstate) |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Area Code Breakdown & Regional Mapping
573 – Outstate Missouri Code
Area code 573 was created in 1996 when it split from 314, serving outstate eastern and central Missouri including Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, and Rolla. It is Columbia’s primary code and anchors Boone County.
235 – Outstate Missouri Overlay
Area code 235 is the new overlay for the 573 region, layered over the same outstate-Missouri geography. New Columbia lines may be issued a 235 number, fully local to existing 573 numbers.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Columbia’s 573/235 codes cover a vibrant college town centered on The District downtown, a walkable stretch of restaurants, shops, and music venues next to the University of Missouri campus. The Francis Quadrangle and its iconic columns anchor the university at the heart of the city.
Beyond downtown, the same codes reach the East Campus and Benton-Stephens historic neighborhoods, the Old Southwest area, and the growing subdivisions on the city’s edges. Home also to Stephens and Columbia colleges, the 573/235 codes tie Columbia to the wider mid-Missouri region between the state’s two big metros.
Local Dialing Rules & International Format
Columbia and the 573 region have required 10-digit dialing since the 235 overlay was introduced — always dial the area code plus the 7-digit number. Springfield and southwestern Missouri use 417, while Kansas City uses 816.
Columbia is in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT), like all of Missouri. To call the city 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, +1 573 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 573 service area spans many of Columbia’s core ZIP codes, including 65201, 65202, 65203, and 65211.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Columbia
Columbia residents report neighbor-spoofing robocalls faking a local 573 prefix, plus student-targeted tuition and rental-deposit scams around the University of Missouri. Fake utility-shutoff and delivery scams are also common.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 573 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 Missouri Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Columbia, MO?
Columbia, Missouri uses area code 573 and its new overlay 235, covering Boone County and outstate Missouri.
Is Columbia, MO the same as Columbia, SC?
No. Columbia, Missouri (area code 573) is home to the University of Missouri. Columbia, South Carolina — that state’s capital — uses area code 803. They are different cities in different states.
Is 235 a real Missouri area code?
Yes. 235 is the new FCC-approved overlay for the 573 region, added to expand number capacity across outstate Missouri.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Columbia, MO?
Yes. With the 235 overlay active, all local calls in the 573 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.