Area Code 316

Kansas

Area code 316 serves Kansas, primarily Wichita, in the Central Time (CT) time zone. It has served the region since 01-Jan-1947.

Published: Updated:

Area Code Splits

Parts of this area code’s original geographic region were later assigned new area codes through splits. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.

Split into: area code 620 (Hutchinson).

Learn more about overlay and split area codes →

Demographics & Economics

Total Population
747,955
Population Density
99 people/sq mi
near U.S. average (U.S.: 93 people/sq mi)
Median Household Income
$67,675
near U.S. median (U.S.: $75,144)
Poverty Rate
12.7%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 11.5%)
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
above U.S. average (U.S.: 3.6%)
Education Attainment
Bachelor's Degree+
31.4%
near U.S. average (U.S.: 33.7%)
High School or Lower
30.3%

Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates. Population figures are approximate — see Sources & Methodology for details on how area code populations are derived.

See how this area code compares to all US area codes in the Statistics dashboard.

Time Zone

  • Central Time (CT)

NANPA Relief Status

According to the latest NANPA analysis (July 2026), this area code is not currently listed as exhausting within the next 36 months. No relief planning is in progress for this NPA.

Source: NANPA NPA Relief Planning Reports · See all relief planning statuses

Current Time

Central Time (CT)
 
 

Prefix Utilization

Geographic Coverage

State

KS

Major Cities

  • Wichita
  • Derby
  • Newton
  • Andover
  • El Dorado
  • Haysville
  • Augusta
  • Valley Center
  • Bel Aire
  • Maize
  • Mulvane
  • Goddard
  • Rose Hill
  • Oaklawn-Sunview
  • Kechi
  • Halstead
  • Cheney
  • North Newton
  • McConnell AFB
  • Towanda
  • Sedgwick
  • Colwich
  • Douglass
  • Andale

and 14 more cities

Area Code 316 geographic coverage map (light mode)

Historical Timeline of Area Code 316

Area code 316 was established on January 1, 1947, as one of the original 86 North American area codes, assigned to southern Kansas centered on Wichita. For over 50 years it served the entire southern half of the state before a 2001 geographic split reduced it to a doughnut-shaped enclave covering only the Wichita metropolitan area. Source: Wikipedia

Key milestones:

  • 1947: Created as one of the original 86 NPAs. Covered southern Kansas including Wichita, Dodge City, Emporia, and Garden City. Source: Wikipedia
  • 1997: Area code 785 was split from 913 to relieve exhaustion in northern Kansas. NANPA approved the split effective February 12, 1997; mandatory dialing began October 3, 1998. Source: NANPA
  • 2001: Area code 620 split took effect February 3, 2001, surrounding 316 completely. Permissive dialing of 316 across southern Kansas continued until November 2, 2001. Source: Wikipedia

The 620 split was initiated by the Kansas Corporation Commission through Docket 00-GIMT-401-GIT, making 316 one of only six doughnut-shaped area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. Under current NANPA projections, 316 will not need another area code until after 2050. Source: NANPA Planning Letter PL-245

Regulatory History

Area code 316's regulatory history is managed by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), not the FCC. The key regulatory action was KCC Docket 00-GIMT-401-GIT, which led to the 2001 split creating area code 620. Source: Kansas Corporation Commission

YearEventDocketRegulatory Action & Impact
1999KCC opens investigation00-GIMT-401-GITKansas Corporation Commission initiates general investigation into exhaustion of area code 316 due to growth in the Wichita metropolitan area.
2000KCC issues split order00-GIMT-401-GITOn October 9, 2000, the Commission orders geographic split to create area code 620 for southern Kansas outside Wichita metro.
2000NANPA approves splitPL-245NANPA approves the 316/620 split on October 26, 2000, effective February 3, 2001. Source: NANPA
2001620 enters service—Area code 620 goes into service February 3, 2001. Permissive dialing of 316 begins across former territory.
2001Permissive dialing ends—Mandatory 10-digit dialing enforced November 2, 2001. 316 reduced to Wichita metropolitan area.

The KCC's authority derives from K.S.A. 66-2005, which grants the commission oversight of telecommunications numbering resources within Kansas. This state-level approach is consistent with Kansas' broader regulatory framework for utilities. Source: Kansas Corporation Commission

County Coverage

Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 316).

CountyPopulationShare
Sedgwick, KS532,85371.2%
Butler, KS98,71713.2%
Harvey, KS42,5465.7%
McPherson, KS21,1022.8%
Marion, KS21,1022.8%
Cowley, KS11,1581.5%
Sumner, KS9,0291.2%
Reno, KS7,5051.0%
Kingman, KS3,9430.5%

Area Code 316 Family Tree

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316620
2
Total Codes
1
Splits
0
Overlays
1
Max Depth

All Descendants

Code ▲StateType In Service Parent
620KSsplit03-Feb-2001316

Area code 316 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve KS. Over the years, it has generated 1 descendant area code through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.

Call Context

Mixed urban-rural area

This area code spans a mix of urban centers and rural communities across KS, with Wichita as a primary city.

Nearby Area Codes

Area codes geographically closest to 316.

Area code 620 map card showing Hutchinson (light mode)
620KSHutchinsonAll time zonesSplit
Area code 785 map card showing Topeka (light mode)
785KSTopekaAll time zonesSplit
Area code 913 map card showing Overland Park (light mode)
913KSOverland ParkCentral Time (CT)Geographic
Area code 405 map card showing Oklahoma City (light mode)
405OKOklahoma CityCentral Time (CT)Geographic

Other Area Codes in Kansas

Area codes that also serve Kansas, linked for easy comparison.