Area codes are a fundamental part of how we connect with each other via phone. They’re essential for directing phone calls to the correct geographic location.
California’s 661 area code serves a diverse collection of cities and communities.
This article will explore the 661 area code location California in detail. We’ll cover its history, the demographics of the region it covers, and the telecommunications infrastructure that keeps everything connected.
Where is area code 661?
Area code 661 is located in the state of California, north of Los Angeles. It was established to take some of the pressure off area code 805, a move that shows how quickly some areas of the country are growing.
Area code splits often happen when a particular area is running out of phone numbers, due to population growth or other factors.
Which cities and counties use area code 661?
Many cities and communities use area code 661, including:
- Bakersfield
- Santa Clarita
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Delano
The area code also covers parts of these California counties:
- Los Angeles
- Kern
- Ventura
- Tulare
- Kings
The area is known for its diverse landscape and economy. Agriculture is a big part of the economy in this area, but it’s also home to aerospace and entertainment companies.
History of the 661 Area Code
The 661 area code came into service on February 13, 1999, making it the 250th area code in the North American Numbering Plan. It was created to relieve the overburdened 805 area code.
At the time, the demand for phone numbers in Southern California was skyrocketing, thanks to the popularity of cell phones and fax machines. Splitting the 805 allowed the region to keep up with that demand.
Fun fact: the 661 area code is one of the few in California that still supports 7-digit dialing for local calls. That means you don’t have to dial the area code if you’re calling someone nearby. (Most areas now require 10-digit dialing, even for local calls.)
What time zone is area code 661 in?
The 661 area code follows Pacific Time.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): UTC/GMT -8:00
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): UTC/GMT -7:00
Daylight Saving Time in 2025 begins on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 AM, and ends on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 AM. So, if you’re calling someone in the 661 area code, remember to adjust for these time changes!
Demographic Information
Here’s a snapshot of who lives in the area served by the 661 area code, according to the 2020 U.S. Census:
Population Overview
The total population served by the 661 area code is 14,026,244.
Key Demographic Statistics
- White Population: 4,824,855
- Black Population: 1,043,094
- Hispanic Population: 243,568
- Asian Population: 1,772,791
- Male Population: 6,902,350
- Female Population: 7,123,894
- Median Age: 34.80
Household Information
- Total Housing Units: 4,933,820
- Total Households: 4,660,302
- Average Household Size: 2.94
As you can see, the 661 area code encompasses a diverse population with a relatively young median age and a mix of household sizes.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The 661 area code is supported by a number of telecommunications companies, offering both landline and wireless service.
Telephone Carriers
Here’s a look at some of the biggest players in the 661 area, based on market share:
Largest Landline Carriers
- Pacific Bell (22%)
- Pac-West Telecomm (9%)
- Verizon (5%)
Largest Wireless Carriers
- Cingular (6%)
- Verizon (4%)
- Sprint (4%)
Prefix Assignment and Usage
A large portion of the prefixes within the 661 area code are currently assigned to a telecommunications company (telco). Here’s a breakdown:
- 81% of prefixes assigned to a telco
- 73% landline prefixes
- 26% wireless prefixes
- 588 active prefixes
- 212 inactive prefixes
7-Digit Dialing
You may have noticed that in some area codes, you can dial just seven digits to reach a local number, rather than the full 10 digits. That’s becoming less common, though, as more area codes require 10-digit dialing, even for local calls. Why is that?
The main reason is to ensure that there are enough phone numbers available to meet the growing demand. As populations increase and more devices require phone numbers, area codes need to be used more efficiently. Requiring 10-digit dialing allows for a greater number of possible phone numbers within a given area code.
What area codes are nearby?
The 661 area code shares its borders with these California area codes:
- 442/760 (Oceanside) to the south
- 559 (Fresno) to the north
- 626 (Pasadena) to the southeast
These area codes represent communities surrounding the Antelope Valley and Kern County, where 661 is located.
Key Takeaways
Area code 661 covers a large portion of Southern California, including the Antelope Valley and parts of the Tehachapi Mountains and the Mojave Desert. Created in 1999, 661 is essential to the region’s telecommunications network.
Hopefully, this article has provided helpful information if you’re looking to understand the location and purpose of the 661 area code.