Area Code 515 Location

Area code 515 serves central Iowa, anchored by Ames and the Des Moines metro. It covers a fast-growing region that includes the state capital and Iowa State University, connecting government, education, and business across central Iowa. With Ames located north of Des Moines along I‑35, 515 phone numbers are common for students, residents, and companies in this hub. The area operates on Central Time and is known for its mix of college-town energy and statewide leadership.

Major cities and communities in area code 515 include:

• Des Moines (state capital)
• Ames (home of Iowa State University)
• West Des Moines
• Ankeny
• Urbandale
• Johnston
• Clive
• Waukee
• Altoona
• Grimes Landmarks in the 515 area include the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines and the Iowa State University campus in Ames, two of the most visited sites in central Iowa.

Area code 515 was established in 1947 as one of Iowa’s original telephone area codes and later changed as the state grew. Western Iowa moved to 712 in 1954, and parts of central and northern Iowa shifted to 641 in 2000, leaving 515 focused on the Des Moines–Ames corridor. Today, 515 remains a single area code without an overlay, serving landlines and wireless phones across the region. It’s a reliable signal that a phone number is tied to central Iowa’s core.

“Area code 515 was created in 1947 as one of Iowa’s original numbering plan areas.” — North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)