Kansas City, Missouri

Where Is Area Code 816?

Area code 816 is in northwestern Missouri and serves Kansas City, Missouri, and nearby communities. It covers the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, not the Kansas side. This area sits along the Missouri River near the Missouri-Kansas state line.

Area code 816 serves major cities and communities such as Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Liberty, St. Joseph, and Gladstone. It covers all or part of several counties in northwestern Missouri, including Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, Ray, and Buchanan counties. The code reaches both dense urban areas and smaller suburban and rural communities.

Area code 816 also covers places tied to well-known regional landmarks and institutions. These include Downtown Kansas City, the Country Club Plaza, and major sports venues used by the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. The service area also includes the Missouri River corridor and communities north and east of Kansas City.

History of Area Code 816

Area code 816 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. It originally covered a much larger part of northern and western Missouri. Over time, population growth and rising demand for telephone numbers reduced its footprint.

In 1997, Missouri created area code 660 from the eastern and southern parts of 816. That split left 816 serving the Kansas City and St. Joseph area in northwestern Missouri. In 2023, regulators approved an overlay for the region because the supply of available 816 numbers was running low, and area code 975 began service in 2023 as the overlay.

Key Facts About Area Code 816

• Area code 816 is in the state of Missouri.
• The largest city in area code 816 is Kansas City, Missouri.
• Area code 816 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 816 was one of the original area codes established in 1947.
• Area code 816 was split in 1997, when area code 660 took over a large part of its former territory.
• Area code 975 overlays area code 816 in the same northwestern Missouri service area.
• Area code 816 serves major communities such as Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Liberty, and St. Joseph.
• Notable institutions and landmarks in the 816 area include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Country Club Plaza, Arrowhead Stadium, and Kauffman Stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 816 in?

Area code 816 is in Missouri.

What major cities use area code 816?

Major cities in area code 816 include Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Liberty, and St. Joseph.

Is area code 816 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 816 is a geographic area code for northwestern Missouri.