Where Is Area Code 681?
Area code 681 serves the entire state of West Virginia, including Charleston, its primary city. West Virginia is part of the South Atlantic region of the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The coverage includes major cities such as Charleston in Kanawha County, Huntington in Cabell County, Morgantown in Monongalia County, Parkersburg in Wood County, Wheeling in Ohio County, Beckley in Raleigh County, and Martinsburg in Berkeley County. Area code 681 covers communities in all 55 West Virginia counties.
Notable landmarks and geographic features in the area include the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, the Kanawha River valley, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and Monongahela National Forest. West Virginia's landscape includes Appalachian ridges, forested highlands, and major river valleys.
Cities and Communities in the 681 Area Code
- Charleston, Kanawha County
- Huntington, Cabell County
- Morgantown, Monongalia County
- Parkersburg, Wood County
- Wheeling, Ohio County
- Beckley, Raleigh County
- Clarksburg, Harrison County
- Fairmont, Marion County
- Martinsburg, Berkeley County
- South Charleston, Kanawha County
- St. Albans, Kanawha County
- Bluefield, Mercer County
- Princeton, Mercer County
- Lewisburg, Greenbrier County
- Elkins, Randolph County
- Buckhannon, Upshur County
- Moundsville, Marshall County
- Point Pleasant, Mason County
- Summersville, Nicholas County
- Oak Hill, Fayette County
- Fayetteville, Fayette County
- Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County
- Charles Town, Jefferson County
- Shepherdstown, Jefferson County
- Grafton, Taylor County
- Weston, Lewis County
- Ripley, Jackson County
History of Area Code 681
Area code 681 entered service on March 28, 2009, as a statewide overlay of area code 304. It was not split from area code 304, so both codes cover the same geographic area across West Virginia.
Area code 304 was one of the 86 original North American Numbering Plan area codes created in 1947. Rising demand for telephone numbers led to the 681 overlay, which allowed existing customers to keep their 304 numbers while new numbers could receive the 681 code. The overlay also made ten-digit dialing necessary for calls within the state.
Key Facts About Area Code 681
- Area code 681 is a geographic area code for West Virginia, and Charleston is its primary city.
- Area code 681 covers the same statewide geographic area as area code 304.
- Area code 681 is an overlay code, not a geographic split.
- Area code 681 entered service on March 28, 2009.
- West Virginia is part of the South Atlantic region defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Area code 681 uses Eastern Time.
- West Virginia had 1,793,716 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, providing an approximate population for the statewide geographic area.
- The geographic area includes the West Virginia State Capitol, West Virginia University, Marshall University, and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 681 in?
Area code 681 is in West Virginia.
What major cities use area code 681?
Major cities with area code 681 numbers include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Beckley, Clarksburg, Fairmont, and Martinsburg.
What time zone is area code 681 in?
Area code 681 is in Eastern Time.
Is area code 681 a toll-free number?
No, area code 681 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.