Decatur, Alabama

Where Is Area Code 256?

Area code 256 is in northern and northeastern Alabama. It serves a large part of the state above the Birmingham area, including Decatur, Huntsville, Gadsden, and Anniston. The code covers communities in the Tennessee Valley and across much of the Appalachian foothills in Alabama.

Area code 256 serves major counties and cities across North Alabama. These include Morgan County, where Decatur is located, Madison County, home to Huntsville, and Etowah and Calhoun counties, which include Gadsden and Anniston. Other communities in the 256 region include Athens, Albertville, Cullman, Scottsboro, and Fort Payne.

Area code 256 includes several notable geographic features and landmarks. The Tennessee River runs through Decatur and other parts of the region. The area also includes the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge near Decatur, and parts of the Appalachian mountain region such as Lookout Mountain.

History of Area Code 256

Area code 256 was created on March 23, 1998. It was split from area code 205 as Alabama added more phone numbers to meet growth in North Alabama and other parts of the state.

Area code 938 was later added as an overlay to the same region. The Alabama Public Service Commission approved the 938 overlay in 2009, and 10-digit dialing became mandatory in the 256 area on October 10, 2010. The overlay let the region keep adding new numbers without another geographic split.

Key Facts About Area Code 256

• Area code 256 is a geographic telephone area code in the state of Alabama.
• Decatur is one of the cities in area code 256, and Huntsville is the largest city in the 256 region.
• Area code 256 was created on March 23, 1998, in a split from area code 205.
• Area code 938 overlays the same service area as area code 256.
• Area code 256 is in the Central Time Zone.
• The 256 region includes major cities such as Decatur, Huntsville, Gadsden, Anniston, Athens, Cullman, and Fort Payne.
• The 256 service area includes major institutions and landmarks such as NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
• Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 256 region on October 10, 2010, because of the 938 overlay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 256 in?

Area code 256 is in Alabama.

What major cities use area code 256?

Major cities in area code 256 include Decatur, Huntsville, Gadsden, Anniston, Athens, Cullman, Scottsboro, and Fort Payne.

Is area code 256 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 256 is a geographic area code in northern Alabama.