The area code 608 is located in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Area code 608 serves Janesville, Wisconsin, and a wide stretch of south‑central and southwestern Wisconsin. Centered along the Rock River, Janesville anchors the southern edge of the 608 region near the Illinois border, while the code reaches west to the Mississippi River and north into the Driftless Area. It connects major communities, universities, and state offices, making it one of the most familiar Wisconsin phone number prefixes. You’ll see 608 on local businesses, schools, and government agencies across the region.
Key cities and destinations in area code 608 include:
“Area code 608 was created in 1955.” — North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)
Established in 1955 from a split with 414, 608 has long covered Wisconsin’s capital region and the southwest corridor. It includes landmarks like the Wisconsin State Capitol, the UW–Madison campus, Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, and the scenic bluffs along the Mississippi. The region observes Central Time (CT), and calls within 608 are local depending on exact exchanges. Due to the national 988 lifeline rollout, 608 moved to 10‑digit dialing on October 24, 2021 (FCC), so you now dial the area code plus number for local calls.
For anyone seeing a 608 phone number, expect it to point to communities in and around Janesville, Madison, La Crosse, and the Dells. The code links a mix of manufacturing centers, college towns, farm country, and outdoor attractions. Whether you’re calling a Janesville business, a Madison office, or a Dells hotel, 608 is the trusted area code for this part of Wisconsin.