254 area code

The 254 area code is a North American telephone area code that serves the central Texas region in the United States. It was created in 1997 when it was split from the 817 area code. The 254 area code is assigned to 24 counties in the state of Texas, including Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hill, and McLennan.

Read on to learn more about the cities, towns, and communities within the 254 area code, as well as the county breakdown and other important information.

FAQs

Q: What cities are within the 254 area code?

A: Some of the major cities within the 254 area code include Waco, Killeen, Temple, and Belton. However, there are also numerous smaller cities and towns within the area code, such as Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Gatesville, and McGregor.

Q: What counties use the 254 area code?

A: The 254 area code is assigned to 24 counties in central Texas. These counties are Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Navarro, Robertson, San Saba, and Somervell, as well as parts of Bell, Burleson, Coryell, Falls, Hamilton, McLennan, and Milam counties.

Q: How many people live within the 254 area code?

A: According to the 2020 US Census, the population of the 254 area code is approximately 1.5 million people. The largest city in the area code is Waco, with a population of over 140,000.

Q: What is the climate like in the 254 area code?

A: The 254 area code experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months is around 95°F, while the average low temperature in the winter months is around 40°F. The area also receives an average of 36 inches of rainfall per year.

Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in the 254 area code?

A: The 254 area code is home to a variety of tourist attractions, including natural parks, museums, and historical sites. Some popular destinations include Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, and the Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center in Temple. Additionally, the area is known for its picturesque lakes and outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

Map of the 254 Area Code

Insert map of 254 area code and surrounding counties here.

Population, Geography, and Administration

The 254 area code covers approximately 13,000 square miles of land in central Texas. The area is primarily rural, with agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare being the main industries. The largest city in the area code is Waco, followed by the cities of Killeen and Temple. According to the US Census, the racial makeup of the 254 area code is predominantly white, followed by Hispanic and African American populations.

The administration of the 254 area code is overseen by the Texas Public Utility Commission, which is responsible for ensuring fair and efficient telecommunications services in the state. The commission also regulates the use of area codes and approves changes or additions to existing area codes as needed.

Education

The 254 area code is home to several higher education institutions, including Baylor University in Waco, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, and Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen. These universities offer a variety of academic programs and contribute to the development of a highly educated workforce in the area.

The area also has several community colleges, including Central Texas College in Killeen and McLennan Community College in Waco. These institutions provide affordable education options for local residents.

Healthcare

The 254 area code has a robust healthcare system, with multiple hospitals and medical facilities serving its population. The largest healthcare provider in the area is Baylor Scott & White Health, which operates hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers in several cities within the area code. Other notable medical facilities include the VA Central Texas Health Care System in Waco and AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen.

Recent Changes and Updates

In recent years, the 254 area code has seen significant growth and development, with new businesses and industries moving into the area. As a result, the demand for telephone numbers has increased, and the area code has reached near exhaustion. To accommodate this growth, the Texas Public Utility Commission implemented a new area code, 945, which overlays the entire 254 area code, creating a new geographic area code for future phone numbers.

The new 945 area code will be assigned to new telephone numbers as they become available and will not require residents or businesses to change their existing phone numbers. However, it does mean that residents and businesses within the 254 area code will now have to dial 10 digits (area code + phone number) for all calls, even those within the same area code. This change went into effect in October 2020.

Q&A

Q: Can I keep my current phone number even with the new area code?

A: Yes, existing phone numbers will not be affected by the addition of the new overlay area code. However, you will need to dial 10 digits (area code + phone number) for all calls, including local calls.

Q: Will this change affect my current phone service or rates?

A: No, your phone service and rates will not be impacted by the addition of the new overlay area code.

Q: How will this change affect businesses within the 254 area code?

A: The addition of the new area code may require businesses to update their information, such as stationery, business cards, and advertising, to include the new 10-digit dialing procedure. Businesses should also ensure that their telephone systems and other equipment are updated to accommodate the new changes.

Q: What should I do if I have any questions or concerns about the new area code?

A: If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact your telephone service provider for more information. Additionally, the Texas Public Utility Commission has a dedicated webpage for updates and FAQs regarding the new area code. You can also reach out to them directly with any questions or concerns.

Q: Will there be any changes to my local calling area or rates?

A: No, your local calling area and rates will remain the same, and there will be no changes to your ability to place local calls.

Q: Will I need to update my contacts with the new area code?

A: If you have contacts within the 254 area code, you can update them with the new 10-digit dialing procedure. However, it is not necessary to update all of your contacts, as calls will still be successfully connected with the 7-digit local number included.

In Conclusion

The 254 area code is a vital part of central Texas, serving a diverse population across multiple counties and cities. With its growing economy, rich history, and attractive natural landscapes, the 254 area code offers residents and visitors a unique quality of life. The addition of the new overlay area code ensures that the region can continue to grow and thrive, providing more opportunities for its residents and future generations.