A revitalizing port city on Puget Sound in the shadow of Mount Rainier, Tacoma is the anchor of Pierce County and Washington’s third-largest city. It is covered by the 253 code and the statewide 564 overlay. This guide breaks down Tacoma’s area codes, the required 10-digit dialing, major ZIP codes, and the scam calls residents should watch for.
Tacoma Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 253 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 564 (statewide) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – PST / PDT |
| Major County | Pierce County |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
253 – South Puget Sound Code
Area code 253 was created in 1997 when it split from 206, serving the south Puget Sound region including Tacoma, Kent, Federal Way, and Auburn. It is Tacoma’s primary code and anchors Pierce County.
564 – Washington Statewide Overlay
Area code 564 is Washington’s statewide overlay, introduced in 2017 to add numbering capacity across the entire state. In Tacoma it overlays 253, so new lines may be issued a 564 number that is fully local to existing 253 numbers.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Tacoma’s 253 code covers a city famous for its museum district, where the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and the soaring Union Station cluster along Pacific Avenue downtown. The historic Stadium District and its landmark high school overlook Commencement Bay just to the north.
Beyond downtown, the same codes reach the walkable Proctor District, the historic Old Town on the waterfront, the North End near Point Defiance Park, and the revitalizing Hilltop neighborhood. The 253 and 564 codes also tie Tacoma to the surrounding south-sound cities of Kent, Federal Way, and Puyallup.
Local Dialing Rules & the Statewide 564 Overlay
Tacoma and all of Washington have required 10-digit dialing for years — always dial the area code plus the 7-digit number. The south Puget Sound uses 253, while the statewide 564 overlay adds new numbers across the same territory.
Washington’s 564 code is unusual: rather than overlaying a single region, it is a statewide overlay introduced in 2017 to add capacity across every existing Washington area code. That means a 564 number can be based anywhere in the state, and 10-digit dialing is mandatory everywhere in Washington.
To call Tacoma 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, +1 253 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 253 service area spans many of Tacoma’s core ZIP codes, including 98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, and 98409.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Tacoma
Tacoma residents report neighbor-spoofing robocalls faking a local 253 prefix, plus fake utility-shutoff threats from callers posing as Tacoma Public Utilities. Auto-warranty and Medicare scams are also common across Pierce County.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 253 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 Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma’s primary area code is 253, overlaid by the statewide 564 code.
Does Tacoma have the same area code as Kent?
Yes. Tacoma, Kent, and Federal Way all use 253 across the south Puget Sound, plus the statewide 564 overlay.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Tacoma?
Yes. All local calls in Tacoma and throughout Washington require 10-digit dialing.
What time zone is Tacoma in?
Tacoma observes Pacific Time (PST/PDT), like the rest of Washington.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.