Champaign, Illinois

Where Is Area Code 217?

Area code 217 is in central Illinois. It serves a large part of the state outside the Chicago, Quad Cities, and St. Louis metro calling regions. Champaign is one of the best-known cities in the 217 area, along with Springfield, Decatur, Urbana, Jacksonville, Danville, and Quincy.

Area code 217 covers communities across many central Illinois counties, including parts of Sangamon County, Champaign County, Macon County, Adams County, and Vermilion County. The service area includes the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, which form one of the region’s main population centers. The area also includes the state capital, Springfield.

The 217 region includes major Illinois landmarks and institutions. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in the 217 area, and the Illinois State Capitol is in Springfield. The region also reaches parts of the Illinois River valley and broad stretches of central Illinois farmland.

History of Area Code 217

Area code 217 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. It was assigned to a large section of central Illinois as the telephone system expanded under the original nationwide numbering plan. It was not split from another area code at the time of its creation.

Area code 217 later required an overlay because of growing demand for new telephone numbers. Area code 447 was approved as an overlay for the same region, and 10-digit dialing became necessary across the 217 service area. This change let new numbers be added without forcing existing 217 customers to change their phone numbers.

Key Facts About Area Code 217

• Area code 217 is in Illinois, and Champaign is one of its major cities.
• Area code 217 also serves Springfield, the capital of Illinois.
• Area code 217 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 217 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 217 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
• Area code 447 overlays area code 217 in the same central Illinois service area.
• The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is located in the 217 area code region.
• The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is located within the 217 area code region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 217 in?

Area code 217 is in Illinois.

What major cities use area code 217?

Major cities in area code 217 include Champaign, Urbana, Springfield, Decatur, Quincy, Jacksonville, and Danville.

Is area code 217 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 217 is a geographic area code for central Illinois.