What time zone is area code 256 in?

Area code 256 uses Central Time.

What area codes overlay 256?

938 serves the same area as 256. New numbers in the area can get any of these codes, which is why local calls need all 10 digits.

Is a call from area code 256 a scam?

The area code alone doesn’t tell you. Most calls from 256 are ordinary local calls, but scammers can fake (“spoof”) any number. If you don’t recognize a 256 number, let it go to voicemail.

When did area code 256 start?

256 went into service in 1998. It was created from area code 205.

Can a 256 number be outside Alabama?

Yes. People keep their numbers when they move and when they switch to mobile or internet phone services, so a 256 caller can be anywhere.

Area code 256

Where is area code 256?

Huntsville, Decatur and Anniston, Alabama

Local time: … (Central Time)

State	Alabama
Country	United States
Main cities	Huntsville, Decatur and Anniston
Time zone	Central Time
Overlay area codes	938
In service since	1998 (created from 205)
Assigned prefixes	786
Dialing format	(256) XXX-XXXX · +1 256 XXX XXXX from abroad

Look up a 256 number

Cities and towns in area code 256

Listed by how many phone prefixes (the 3 digits after the area code) are assigned to each place in 256.

Huntsville, AL (158)
Decatur, AL (50)
Anniston, AL (40)
Cullman, AL (36)
Gadsden, AL (35)
Florence, AL (29)
Athens, AL (26)
Guntersville, AL (21)
Alexander City, AL (18)
Scottsboro, AL (18)
Talladega, AL (17)
Albertville, AL (15)
Fort Payne, AL (15)
Madison, AL (15)
Rogersville, AL (15)
Sylacauga, AL (14)
Arab, AL (11)
Muscle Shoals, AL (11)
Russellville, AL (11)
Hartselle, AL (10)
Jacksonville, AL (8)
Boaz, AL (7)
Centre, AL (7)
Ashland, AL (6)
Attalla, AL (6)
Dadeville, AL (6)
Hanceville, AL (6)
Moulton, AL (6)
Ardmore, AL (5)
Hazel Green, AL (5)
Killen, AL (5)
Bridgeport, AL (4)
Childersburg, AL (4)
Courtland, AL (4)
Crossville, AL (4)
Gurley, AL (4)
Heflin, AL (4)
Munford, AL (4)
Ohatchee, AL (4)
Red Bay, AL (4)
Stevenson, AL (4)
Town Creek, AL (4)
Camp Hill, AL (3)
Cherokee, AL (3)
Fruithurst, AL (3)
Fyffe, AL (3)
Goodwater, AL (3)
Leighton, AL (3)
Lexington, AL (3)
Lineville, AL (3)
Mentone, AL (3)
Morgancity, AL (3)
New Market, AL (3)
Oxford, AL (3)
Piedmont, AL (3)
Pisgah, AL (3)
Rainsville, AL (3)
Valleyhead, AL (3)
Wadley, AL (3)
Wedowee, AL (3)
Bryant, AL (2)
Delta, AL (2)
Elkmont, AL (2)
Falkville, AL (2)
Francisco, AL (2)
Gaylesvl, AL (2)
Geraldine, AL (2)
Grant, AL (2)
Grayson, AL (2)
Henagar, AL (2)
Leesburg, AL (2)
Massey, AL (2)
Mrnscrsrds, AL (2)
New Hope, AL (2)
Rainbow City, AL (2)
Ranburne, AL (2)
Rockford, AL (2)
Sand Rock, AL (2)
Section, AL (2)
Skyline, AL (2)
Veto, AL (2)
Woodland, AL (2)
Aroney, AL (1)
Cedarbluff, AL (1)
Chulafinne, AL (1)
Collinsvl, AL (1)
Flat Rock, AL (1)
Lecta, AL (1)
Oden Ridge, AL (1)
Ownscrsrds, AL (1)
Rinehart, AL (1)
Somerville, AL (1)
Whorton, AL (1)
Xxxxxxxxxx, AL (1)

Phone companies in area code 256

The carriers that hold the most 256 prefixes. People can move their number to another carrier, so this shows who first issued a number, not who serves it today.

Prefixes	Carrier
180	South Central Bell Tel (AT&T)
114	New Cingular Wireless PCS (AT&T)
84	Verizon Wireless
58	Paetec Itel
50	Powertel Birmingham Licenses (T-Mobile)
42	Level 3 Communications
34	Onvoy
24	Metropcs (T-Mobile)

All 786 prefixes in area code 256

Pick the 3 digits after the area code to see that prefix’s city and carrier.

Area codes that overlay 256

Questions

Where is area code 256?: Area code 256 is in Alabama. It serves Huntsville, Decatur, Anniston, Cullman and Gadsden and 89 other cities and towns.
What time zone is area code 256 in?: Area code 256 uses Central Time.
What area codes overlay 256?: 938 serves the same area as 256. New numbers in the area can get any of these codes, which is why local calls need all 10 digits.
Is a call from area code 256 a scam?: The area code alone doesn’t tell you. Most calls from 256 are ordinary local calls, but scammers can fake (“spoof”) any number. If you don’t recognize a 256 number, let it go to voicemail.
When did area code 256 start?: 256 went into service in 1998. It was created from area code 205.
Can a 256 number be outside Alabama?: Yes. People keep their numbers when they move and when they switch to mobile or internet phone services, so a 256 caller can be anywhere.

Other area codes in Alabama

Area code	Main cities
205	Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Bessemer
251	Mobile, Foley and Atmore
334	Montgomery, Dothan and Phenix City
483	Montgomery, Auburn and Gantt
659	Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Bessemer