Area Code 217 and 447

Area codes 217 and 247 map

The History of Area Codes 217 and 447

The history of area codes 217 and 447 in Illinois serves as a mirror reflecting the evolution of telecommunications in the state. From the time when Illinois had a single area code, to the present where multiple codes overlay each other, it’s clear that our methods of communication have transformed significantly. In Illinois, the history of area codes 217 and 447 represents the story of communication progression, population growth, and technological advancement.

Illinois’ area code 217 was one of the original 86 area codes assigned by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947. Initially, it covered the entire central part of the state, extending from the western border along the Mississippi River to the eastern boundary near the Indiana state line. The demand for phone numbers began to surge in the latter half of the 20th century due to the proliferation of fax machines, cell phones, and the internet. As a result, a numbering crisis ensued as area code 217 started to exhaust its pool of available numbers.

In 2021, area code 447 was introduced as an overlay to 217 to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. The overlay required ten-digit dialing for local calls within the area, a significant change from the previous seven-digit dialing system.Today, area codes 217 and 447 cover the same geographic region. The use of overlays like 447 in Illinois and across the United States continues to increase due to the demands of technology and growing populations. 

Area codes 217 and 447 generally belong to callers from these municipalities in Illinois

Arcola, IL
Arthur, IL
Athens, IL
Auburn, IL
Beardstown, IL
Casey, IL
Carlinville, IL
Carthage, IL
Charleston, IL
Chatham, IL
Clinton, IL
Danville, IL
Decatur, IL
Effingham, IL
Forsyth, IL
Georgetown, IL 
Gibson City, IL
Gillespie, IL
Girard, IL
Greenup, IL
Greenville, IL
Hamilton, IL
Harvel, IL
Hillsboro, IL
Hoopeston, IL
Illiopolis, IL
Indianola, IL
Jacksonville, IL
Jerome, IL
Leland Grove, IL
Lincoln, IL
Litchfield, IL
Macomb, IL
Macon, IL
Mahomet, IL
Maroa, IL
Marshall, IL
Mattoon, IL
Meredosia, IL
Monticello, IL
Morrisonville, IL
Mount Auburn, IL
Mount Zion, IL
Nauvoo, IL
New Berlin, IL
Nokomis, IL
Ogden, IL
Palmer, IL
Pana, IL
Paris, IL
Paxton, IL
Petersburg, IL
Pittsfield, IL
Quincy, IL
Rantoul, IL
Raymond, IL
Riverton, IL
Rochester, IL
Rushville, IL
Shelbyville, IL
Southern View, IL
Springfield, IL
St. Joseph, IL
Strasburg, IL
Sullivan, IL
Thawville, IL
Taylorville, IL
Teutopolis, IL
Toledo, IL
Tolono, IL
Tuscola, IL
Urbana, IL
Virden, IL
Westville, IL
Waggoner, IL
Warrensburg, IL

217 and 447 Area Codes FAQs

Q: What area codes are 217 and 447?

A: Area codes 217 and 447 are telephone area codes in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) 

Q: When 217 and 447 area codes were created?

A: The 217 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes. The 447 area code was created later as an overlay to 217.                          

Q: Where are area codes 217 and 447?

A: These area codes cover parts of Central Illinois, and the cities in these area codes include Springfield (the state capital), Champaign-Urbana (home of the University of Illinois), Decatur and Danville and others.

Q: Who needs to dial 1 before the 217 and 447 area codes?

A: In North America, the digit 1 is usually dialed before the area code for long-distance calls within the U.S., Canada, and other regions in the NANP. If you are calling from outside the 217 or 447 area or from a different area code, you must dial 1 before these codes.

Q: Why are area codes like 217 and 447 important?

A: Area codes are used to designate a specific geographic region, such as a part of a state in the U.S. They are also important for ensuring enough phone numbers to go around as populations grow and more devices need telephone numbers.

Q: Are area codes 217 and 447 overlaid with another area code?

A: Yes, area code 447 is an overlay for the 217 area code.

Q: What other area codes are nearby area codes 217 and 447?

A: Nearby area codes include 309, 815 and 779 to the north, 618 to the south, and 314 and 573 (Missouri area codes) to the west, to the east 765, 812.

Q: Can I obtain a phone number with Area Codes 217 and 447?

A: Yes, you can obtain a phone number with these area codes. The process involves contacting a phone service provider who offers numbers in these area codes.

Q: What is the population of the area covered by area codes 217 and 447?

A: However, it covers several populated cities and towns in Central Illinois, so the total population would be substantial. In area code 447’s major city, Springfield, Illinois, a population is 114,394.

Q: What is the timezone for Area Codes 217 and 447?

A: Both of these area codes are in the Central Time Zone.

Find the real owner of someone with a 217 and 447309 and 312, 618630 and 331708773779 and 815, 224 and 847 area code