Ames, Iowa

Where Is Area Code 515?

Area code 515 is in central Iowa. It serves Ames and the Des Moines metro area, along with many nearby towns and rural communities. This part of Iowa sits in the middle of the state and includes both urban and agricultural areas.

Major cities in area code 515 include Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Boone, Fort Dodge, and Marshalltown. The area code covers all or part of counties such as Polk County, Story County, Boone County, Webster County, Dallas County, Marshall County, and Jasper County. Ames, the city named in the request, is in Story County and is one of the best-known communities in the 515 region.

Notable places in the 515 area include Iowa State University in Ames and the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. The region also includes parts of the Des Moines River basin and broad prairie farmland that is typical of central Iowa. Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 cross this region and connect many of the communities that use 515.

History of Area Code 515

Area code 515 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. It originally covered a much larger part of Iowa than it does today. The North American Numbering Plan assigned these first area codes to organize long-distance telephone service across the United States and Canada.

Area code 515 was reduced by later splits as telephone demand grew. In 1954, Iowa created area code 319 from part of 515. In 2001, another split created area code 641, which took many communities in central and southern Iowa, while 515 remained in the north-central part of the state, including Des Moines and Ames. As of now, area code 515 does not use an overlay.

Key Facts About Area Code 515

• Area code 515 is in the state of Iowa.
• Ames and Des Moines are two of the best-known cities in area code 515.
• Area code 515 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 515 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes.
• Area code 515 was split in 1954 when area code 319 was created from part of its territory.
• Area code 515 was split again in 2001 when area code 641 was created.
• Iowa State University in Ames is a major institution within the 515 area code.
• The Iowa State Capitol and much of the Des Moines metropolitan area are within area code 515.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 515 in?

Area code 515 is in Iowa.

What major cities use area code 515?

Major cities in area code 515 include Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Boone, Fort Dodge, and Marshalltown.

Is area code 515 a toll-free number?

No, area code 515 is a geographic area code for central Iowa.