Area Code 816
Missouri
Area code 816 serves Missouri, primarily Kansas City, in the Central Time (CT) time zone. It has served the region since 01-Jan-1947.
Overlay Area Code
This area code is part of an overlay region, meaning the same geographic area is served by multiple area codes. Overlay codes were introduced to meet growing demand for phone numbers without requiring existing customers to change their numbers.
This area code shares its geographic region with: area code 975 (Independence).
In service since: 01-Jan-1947
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 660 (Sedalia).
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,764,845
- Population Density
- 155 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 93 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $67,178below U.S. median (U.S.: $75,144)
- Poverty Rate
- 11.2%near U.S. average (U.S.: 11.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.3%above U.S. average (U.S.: 3.6%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+32.6%near U.S. average (U.S.: 33.7%)High School or Lower32.3%
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
Prefix Utilization
Geographic Coverage
State
MO
Major Cities
- Kansas City
- Independence
- Lee's Summit
- St. Joseph
- Blue Springs
- Liberty
- Raytown
- Gladstone
- Grandview
- Belton
- Raymore
- Grain Valley
- Kearney
- Smithville
- Excelsior Springs
- Harrisonville
- Pleasant Hill
- Cameron
- Oak Grove
- Parkville
- Greenwood
- Richmond
- Peculiar
- Odessa
and 113 more cities
History
Area code 816 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. Over time, area code area code 660 was split from 816. It shares its territory with area code area code 975.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 816 is approximately 1,764,845. The population density is 155 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 93. The median household income is $67,178, which is lower than the national median of $75,144. Approximately 32.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 33.7%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, which is near the national rate of 11.5%.
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 816).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MO | 739,565 | 41.9% |
| Clay, MO | 305,849 | 17.3% |
| Platte, MO | 195,639 | 11.1% |
| Cass, MO | 143,737 | 8.1% |
| Buchanan, MO | 95,813 | 5.4% |
| Andrew, MO | 64,147 | 3.6% |
| Johnson, MO | 44,615 | 2.5% |
| Clinton, MO | 38,939 | 2.2% |
| Ray, MO | 34,175 | 1.9% |
| Lafayette, MO | 27,709 | 1.6% |
| Caldwell, MO | 27,258 | 1.5% |
| DeKalb, MO | 19,468 | 1.1% |
| Daviess, MO | 16,393 | 0.9% |
| Bates, MO | 8,699 | 0.5% |
| Gentry, MO | 2,218 | 0.1% |
| Nodaway, MO | 621 | 0.0% |
Area Code 816 Family Tree
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Area code 816 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve MO. Over the years, it has generated 2 descendant area codes through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in MO with moderate to high population density, centered on Kansas City and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 816.
Other Area Codes in Missouri
Area codes that also serve Missouri, linked for easy comparison.