Bloomington, Illinois

Where Is Area Code 309?

Area code 309 is in central and western Illinois. It serves Bloomington and a broad stretch of communities across the middle and west-central part of the state. The region includes both urban centers and smaller towns.

Major cities in area code 309 include Bloomington, Normal, Peoria, Moline, Rock Island, Galesburg, Pekin, and East Peoria. Counties served in whole or in part include McLean County, Peoria County, Tazewell County, Rock Island County, and Knox County. The code also reaches communities in the Illinois River Valley and the Quad Cities area of northwestern Illinois.

Notable places in the 309 region include the Illinois River, the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River, and major institutions such as Illinois State University in Normal and Bradley University in Peoria. Bloomington and Normal form one of the best-known population centers in the area code. The service area covers a large part of inland western Illinois rather than a single metro area.

History of Area Code 309

Area code 309 was created in 1957. It was split from area code 217 as telephone demand grew in Illinois. The new code was assigned to a large section of central and western Illinois.

Area code 309 later gave up part of its territory when area code 815 was expanded to include some areas, and it was split again in 1996 when area code 319 was created for parts of western Illinois near the Mississippi River. More recently, area code 861 was approved as an overlay for 309. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the 861 overlay in 2021, and 10-digit dialing became necessary in the 309 region before the overlay's activation.

Key Facts About Area Code 309

• Area code 309 is a geographic telephone area code in the state of Illinois.
• Bloomington, Illinois, is one of the main cities associated with area code 309.
• Area code 309 covers parts of central and western Illinois, including Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, and the Illinois side of the Quad Cities.
• Area code 309 was established in 1957 after a split from area code 217.
• Area code 861 is the overlay code for area code 309, and both codes serve the same geographic region.
• The 309 area uses the Central Time Zone.
• Illinois State University in Normal and Bradley University in Peoria are both located within the 309 service area.
• The region includes major river corridors tied to the Illinois River and the Mississippi River.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 309 in?

Area code 309 is in Illinois.

What major cities use area code 309?

Major cities in area code 309 include Bloomington, Normal, Peoria, Moline, Rock Island, Galesburg, Pekin, and East Peoria.

Is area code 309 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 309 is a geographic area code.