Kent, Washington

Where Is Area Code 253?

Area code 253 is in western Washington. It serves the south Puget Sound region, including Kent, Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, and University Place. The code is part of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.

Area code 253 covers most of Pierce County and part of southern King County. Kent is in King County, while Tacoma is the largest city commonly tied to the area code. Other communities in the 253 region include Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, Sumner, and Milton.

The area includes major south Puget Sound features and transportation corridors. Tacoma sits on Commencement Bay, and nearby landmarks include Mount Rainier to the southeast, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the Port of Tacoma.

History of Area Code 253

Area code 253 started on April 27, 1997. It was created in a split from area code 206, which had once covered a much larger part of western Washington. The split reflected fast population growth and rising demand for new phone numbers in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

Area code 253 has not been overlaid by another area code. It remains a geographic area code created by a split, not an overlay. Its creation matched the region's growth in cities such as Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way during the 1990s.

Key Facts About Area Code 253

• Area code 253 is in Washington state and is widely associated with Tacoma and Kent.
• Area code 253 is in the Pacific Time Zone and follows Pacific Standard Time and Pacific Daylight Time.
• Area code 253 was created on April 27, 1997, in a split from area code 206.
• Area code 253 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code and not an overlay.
• Area code 253 serves communities in Pierce County and southern King County in the south Puget Sound region.
• Major cities in area code 253 include Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, and University Place.
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Port of Tacoma are major institutions and facilities within the 253 region.
• The University of Puget Sound, a private university in Tacoma founded in 1888, is located in area code 253.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 253 in?

Area code 253 is in Washington.

What major cities use area code 253?

Major cities that use area code 253 include Kent, Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, and Sumner.

Is area code 253 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 253 is a geographic area code in Washington.