Where Is Area Code 986?
Area code 986 is a geographic overlay that covers all of Idaho, including Boise. Idaho is part of the Mountain West region, and Boise is in southwestern Idaho.
Because 986 covers the same statewide area as area code 208, it includes all 44 Idaho counties. Major population centers include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston.
The area includes the Boise River, the Boise Foothills, the Snake River Plain, the Sawtooth Mountains, and the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
Cities and Communities in the 986 Area Code
- Boise, Ada County
- Meridian, Ada County
- Eagle, Ada County
- Kuna, Ada County
- Nampa, Canyon County
- Caldwell, Canyon County
- Mountain Home, Elmore County
- Idaho City, Boise County
- Idaho Falls, Bonneville County
- Ammon, Bonneville County
- Pocatello, Bannock County
- Chubbuck, Bannock County
- Twin Falls, Twin Falls County
- Jerome, Jerome County
- Burley, Cassia County
- Blackfoot, Bingham County
- Rexburg, Madison County
- Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County
- Post Falls, Kootenai County
- Lewiston, Nez Perce County
- Moscow, Latah County
- Sandpoint, Bonner County
- McCall, Valley County
- Sun Valley, Blaine County
- Ketchum, Blaine County
History of Area Code 986
Area code 986 entered service on November 5, 2017, as an all-services overlay of area code 208. It was not created through a geographic split, so both codes serve the same statewide area.
Area code 208 had served Idaho as its only area code since 1947, when the North American Numbering Plan began. Growing demand for telephone numbers led to the 986 overlay, which added numbering capacity without changing Idaho's geographic boundaries. The overlay also made 10-digit dialing necessary for local calls.
Key Facts About Area Code 986
- Area code 986 is a geographic area code in Idaho, and Boise is its primary city.
- Area code 986 is an all-services overlay of area code 208, not a geographic split.
- Area code 986 entered service on November 5, 2017.
- The 986 geographic footprint covers all 44 counties in Idaho.
- The 2020 U.S. Census counted 1,839,106 residents in Idaho, the state covered by the 986 footprint.
- Boise State University is located in Boise, within the 986 geographic area.
- The Idaho State Capitol is located in Boise, within the 986 geographic area.
- Area code 986 is associated with the Mountain West region of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 986 in?
Area code 986 is in Idaho.
What major cities use area code 986?
Major cities in the 986 area include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston.
What time zone is area code 986 in?
Area code 986 is in the Mountain Time Zone, which Boise observes.
Is area code 986 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 986 is a geographic Idaho area code, not a toll-free code.