Area Code 661
California
Area code 661 serves California, primarily Bakersfield, in the Pacific Time (PT) time zone. It was created from a split of area code 805.
Split Area Code
This area code was created by splitting an existing area code into separate geographic regions. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.
This area code was split from area code 805 (Oxnard).
In service since: 13-Feb-1999
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 661 is approximately 1,692,873. The population density is 186 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 94. The median household income is $67,660, which is lower than the national median of $78,538. Approximately 25.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.0%. This rate is lower than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%, which is higher than the national rate of 12.4%.
History
Area code 661 was created from a split of area code 805. It was introduced in 1999 as part of a geographic division to provide additional numbering resources.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,692,873
- Population Density
- 186 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $67,660below U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 16.7%above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 7.8%above U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+25.6%below U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower37.0%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
CA
Major Cities
- Bakersfield
- Santa Clarita
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Delano
- Oildale
- East Niles
- Wasco
- Stevenson Ranch
- Rosamond
- Shafter
- Greenfield
- Arvin
- Rosedale
- Castaic
- McFarland
- Lamont
- Lake Los Angeles
- Tehachapi
- Quartz Hill
- Potomac Park
- Golden Hills
- East Bakersfield
- Hillcrest
and 83 more cities
Time Zone
- Pacific Time (PT)
Current Time
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 661).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kern, CA | 910,938 | 53.8% |
| Los Angeles, CA | 714,664 | 42.2% |
| Tulare, CA | 65,683 | 3.9% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | 794 | 0.0% |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 794 | 0.0% |
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in CA with moderate to high population density, centered on Bakersfield and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 661.
Other Area Codes in California
Area codes that also serve California, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 661 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers assigned to area code 661 are tied to where they were originally provisioned — not the caller's current location. This code serving roughly 1693k people covers Bakersfield in CA, so a number originally set up there will retain the 661 prefix even if the owner moves or uses VoIP. Mobile phones keep their original number when users relocate, and businesses often adopt local area codes to establish a regional presence.
Start by looking up the area code on this site to understand its geographic context — area code 661 is associated with Bakersfield in CA. For caller-specific details, use your carrier's caller ID features or check public directories. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the FTC. To file a complaint about robocalls or spoofed numbers, visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Area codes are sometimes "split" when an existing code runs out of available number combinations. In a split, the original territory is divided geographically, with each portion receiving its own area code. This area code was split from area code 805. See our guide on splits and overlays for details.