Complete Guide to Area Code 206: Everything You Need to Know
Got a call from the 206? The Emerald City is on the line.
Whether you’re connecting with someone in Seattle or vetting an unknown number, understanding the 206 area code can help you avoid spam and make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll cover where the 206 area code is located, its history, overlays, time zone, and scam risks—plus how to block unwanted calls and look up who’s behind a 206 number.
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206 area code overview: key facts
| Major Cities: | Seattle; Kirkland; Redmond; Sammamish; Bremerton; Bainbridge Island; Vashon |
| County: | King County; Kitsap County |
| Year Established | 1947 |
| Population Served: | ~1.3 million |
| Zip Codes: | 98101, 98104, 98109, 98115, 98119… |
| Overlays: | 564 |
| Surrounding Area Codes: | 253, 360, 425, 509 |
| Call Procedure: | Mandatory 1+10‑digit dialing for local calls |
| Time Zone: | PT (UTC -8:00) |
| Local Time: |
What area code is 206?
206 area code location
The 206 area code serves central Seattle and parts of nearby communities across the King and Kitsap counties in Washington. The Emerald City area is home to over 2.5 million residents and is surrounded by natural landmarks including Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Olympic and Cascade ranges.
Fun fact: 206 was the birthplace of corporate giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
Cities in the 206 area code
- Seattle
- Kirkland
- Redmond
- Bremerton
- Bainbridge Island
- Sammamish
- Vashon
Well-known neighborhoods
Seattle is known for its indie culture, thanks in large part to its trendy cafes, hipster communities, and techy but eco-conscious mindset. The 206 area code provides coverage to some of Seattle’s most artsy neighborhoods:
- Capitol Hill - Known for its nightlife and architecture
- Ballard - What used to be a fishing village is now known for its seafood and waterfront parks
- Queen Anne - Hilltop neighborhood with panoramic views
- South Lake Union - Home to the Amazon HQ
- West Seattle - Beachy neighborhood with views of downtown
Local landmarks
- Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- University of Washington
- Seattle Aquarium
- Seattle Art Museum
- Mt. Rainier
Zip codes serviced by area code 206
Seattle zip codes range between 98101 and 98199.
The most notable ZIP codes for area code 206 include 98101 (downtown Seattle), 98115 (northeastern Seattle), 98103 (northern Seattle), 98109 (South Lake Union and Queen Anne), and 98122 (Capitol Hill).
Surrounding area codes
Whether you’re local to the Puget Sound region or just visiting, it’s helpful to know the nearby area codes.
| Area Code | Region |
|---|---|
| 425 | Bellevue and Eastside |
| 253 | Tacoma |
| 360 | Western Washington suburbs |
| 509 | Eastern Washington |
206 time zone & business tips
- Standard time: UTC -8:00 hours
- Daylight saving time: +1:00 hour
- Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -7:00 hours
- Time zone abbreviation: PT (Pacific Time)
The 206 area code is located in the Pacific Time Zone, which covers most of the U.S. West Coast. That means that noon in Seattle is 3 p.m. in New York (ET) and 8 p.m. in London (GMT).
Washington observes daylight saving time, so residents in the 206 area code switch between:
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): November to March
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): March to November
Business Tip: If you’re on the East Coast, remember that Seattle operates 3 hours behind when scheduling calls.
The history of area code 206
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was first established in 1947 to help relieve call operators across the U.S. 206 was one of the original area codes assigned and initially covered the entirety of Washington state. As the demand for phone numbers grew, it was split multiple times, narrowing its coverage zone to the Seattle area it services today.
206/564 area code overlay
To relieve number exhaustion in western Washington, area code 564 was introduced as an overlay across the 206 region in 2017.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1947 | The NANP area code system was established. |
| 1947 | 206 was created as the original area code for Washington. |
| 2017 | Overlay 564 was introduced across western Washington. |
Why a 206 number still turns heads
Locals often refer to Seattle as “The 206,” and it’s been featured in music, entertainment, and even tattoos as a symbol of PNW pride.
Seattle has been the backdrop of several famous films and TV shows, including Sleepless in Seattle, Grey’s Anatomy, and Frasier. Seattle artists like Macklemore and other musicians have also referenced 206 in their songs.
How to get a 206 phone number
You can get a 206 area code phone number for both personal and business use.
Here are common methods for obtaining a 206 number:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local carrier | True geographic tie-in | May have limited availability |
| VoIP provider | Fast setup, multi-device use | Needs strong internet |
| Virtual services | Team features, mobile access | May cost more |
| Number brokers | Custom/vanity options | Expensive, limited supply |
- Try a local provider: Major providers like AT&T®, T-Mobile®, and Verizon® are the go-to option for most people. Setup is simple, and you’ll get reliable nationwide coverage. But if you’re looking for a specific area code like 206, availability might be limited.
- Use a VoIP provider: If you’re on a budget or need flexibility, providers like Google® Voice and Grasshopper are ideal. They’re cost-effective, easy to manage, and you can use it across multiple devices, but they require a Wi-Fi connection to work.
- Explore virtual phone systems: Running a business? RingCentral, OpenPhone, and other virtual systems cater to remote teams with features like call routing, team extensions, and multi-line support. These services can be more expensive.
- Look into number brokers: Specializing in high-demand or vanity phone numbers, number brokers can be great if you’re after a specific pattern or number. This niche option often comes with a higher price tag and broker fees.
For everyday use, a traditional mobile provider is likely your best bet. Businesses might benefit more from a virtual phone system. Each option has its pros and cons, so your ideal setup depends on your goals, budget, and how you plan to use the number.
Spotting and blocking 206 area code scams
According to the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry, Washington ranks #19 nationally with over 51,000 Do Not Call complaints reported in 2024.
In 2024 for King County, here’s what DNC data revealed:
- Rank: #11 in Washington state for complaints per 100k
- Complaints: 9,573
- Robocalls: 44.9% (4,298)
- Live scam calls: 43.5% (4,169)
Red flags to watch out for
If a caller pressures you to act immediately, asks for unusual payment methods (like gift cards), or refuses to provide verifiable details, it’s likely a scam.
Top Scam Types in the 206 King County Area
- Imposters
- Home improvement & cleaning
- Debt reduction
If you get a suspicious call from a 206 number (or any unfamiliar number), don’t give out personal information, financial details, or send money. If you’re unsure, hang up and call back using an official number from the company’s website.
Watch for these signs:
- Robocalls or automated messages
- Unsolicited debt reduction offers
- Urgent payment requests
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- Calls claiming to be from government agencies or public utility providers
Scammers sometimes spoof familiar-looking numbers to increase the odds you’ll pick up.
If something feels off, don’t give out any information. Verify the number with a reverse phone lookup.
How to block a 206 number
Tired of nonstop 206 calls? Whether it’s robocalls, scammers, or mystery numbers lighting up your screen, here’s how to cut down on unwanted calls from 206—or any area code.
- Block calls right from your phone.
Most smartphones make it easy to block or silence repeat offenders.
- iPhone: Go to your Recents list, tap the “i” next to the number, and select Block this Caller.
- Android: Open your call log, tap the number, select Details, then Block.
Check your settings for “Silence Unknown Callers.” This sends unrecognized numbers straight to voicemail. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others also offer both free and paid spam-blocking tools.
- Use an app to filter out the fakes.
Third-party apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller specialize in spotting scam calls before you even pick up.
These apps can:
- Flag spammy numbers
- Auto-block scammers
- Let you report shady calls to help others
Free versions exist, but premium subscriptions offer more advanced protection and faster updates.
- Add your number to the Do Not Call Registry.
Go to donotcall.gov and register your number. It won’t block scammers, but it can reduce calls from telemarketers who follow federal rules.
- Report shady texts.
If you get suspicious messages from a 206 number, forward them to 7726 (SPAM). This alerts your carrier and helps prevent others from getting hit.
- File a report with the FTC.
Still getting harassed? Head to reportfraud.ftc.gov and file a complaint. Your report helps the FTC track and shut down scam operations targeting people in King County and beyond.
How to look up a 206 phone number
Tired of 206 spam calls? If your phone’s blowing up with unwanted calls from the 206 area code, here are three simple ways to identify who’s calling:
- Google it: A quick search may reveal if the number is tied to a business.
- Check the FCC’s scam number database: A reliable resource for known scam numbers.
- Run a reverse phone lookup: Curious about a 206 number? Lookup tools can reveal the owner’s name, address, and more.
Need intel on a caller with a 206 area code? Run a reverse number search now to quickly gather key information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 206
Q: Is the 206 area code legitimate?
A: Yes. It’s a well-established area code used by major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks to signal a Seattle presence.
Q: Can you still get a 206 number?
A: Yes, but supply is limited. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator predicts that 206 will run out of available numbers by late 2025.
Q: Why is Seattle called the 206?
A: Because 206 was the original area code for all of Washington, assigned in 1947. Over time, other regions split off, but Seattle kept the 206, making it a local badge of identity.
Q: What time zone is area code 206?
A: Area code 206 is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which is UTC -8:00 standard and UTC -7:00 during daylight saving time.
