What area code is 253?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 253 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
253 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 253
TacomaShowing 12 of 24 recorded communities — major cities first.
Where 253 sits on the map
No overlayCoverage area
About the 253 region
253 covers Tacoma in Washington, including Auburn, Bonney Lake, Burley, Covington and DuPont. The code has been in service since 1997.
253 currently has no overlay, so its territory keeps a single, unshared code.
Split of 206.
Who called me from 253?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 253 does not prove the caller is really in the 253 region or even in the United States.
- Avoid calling back unknown one-ring numbers — some premium-rate scams rely on curiosity callbacks.
- Never share verification codes, payment details, or remote access during an unsolicited call, even if the caller claims to be your bank or a government agency.
- When a 253 call pressures you to act immediately, hang up and contact the organization directly through its official number.
Be the first to add a community report for a 253 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 253?+–
253 is a telephone area code serving Tacoma in Washington, United States, in service since 1997.
Where is area code 253 located?+–
It covers Auburn, Bonney Lake, Burley, Covington and DuPont in Washington.
What cities are in area code 253?+–
Major communities on record include Auburn, Bonney Lake, Burley, Covington and DuPont, among others. The code's territory spans the Tacoma region of Washington.
What time zone is 253?+–
253 observes Pacific (PT), which is UTC−8 / −7 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 253 start?+–
253 entered service in 1997. Its history: split of 206.
Is 253 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 253 included — caller ID is easy to spoof, so the code alone does not tell you who is really calling. Check the community reports on this page before calling back an unknown 253 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 253 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 253 number regardless of where you physically live.