Area Code 217 Location

Area code 217 serves Champaign, Illinois, and a wide stretch of central Illinois. Established in 1947, it’s one of the original North American area codes and links college towns, the state capital, and historic communities. In Champaign-Urbana, 217 includes the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and surrounding neighborhoods, making it a key hub for education, research, and culture. The region sits in the heart of the state and follows Central Time (CT).

Major cities and communities in the 217 area code include:

• Champaign–Urbana (home to UIUC)
• Springfield (Illinois state capital)
• Decatur
• Danville
• Jacksonville
• Taylorville
• Mattoon & Charleston
• Effingham
• Lincoln
• Paris (IL)

To meet growing demand for phone numbers, Illinois added the overlay 447 in 2021, so new lines may use 447 while existing 217 phone numbers remain unchanged. Ten-digit dialing is standard across the 217/447 region. Landmarks within the area include the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield and many Abraham Lincoln heritage sites, while Champaign-Urbana stands out for Big Ten athletics and innovation at Research Park. This mix of government, history, and higher education gives 217 a strong identity in central Illinois.

Established: 1947; Overlay: 447 (2021) — Source: North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA)