406 area code
406 area code is the telephone area code for the entire state of Montana, United States. It was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes and covers the entire state, making it the largest state by land area to only have one area code. The 406 area code serves 129 counties, 2 Indian reservations and 207 cities/towns. Montana is the fourth-largest state by land area, with a population of approximately 1.08 million people as of 2019. The state of Montana is divided into 3 area codes: 406, 448, and 466.
FAQs
Q: What cities are included in the 406 area code?
A: The major cities included in the 406 area code are Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, and Miles City. The complete list of cities can be found on the Montana’s Public Service Commission website.
Q: What counties use the 406 area code?
A: The following counties use the 406 area code:
- Beaverhead
- Big Horn
- Blaine
- Broadwater
- Carbon
- Carter
- Cascade
- Chouteau
- Custer
- Daniels
- Dawson
- Deer Lodge
- Fallon
- Fergus
- Flathead
- Gallatin
- Garfield
- Glacier
- Golden Valley
- Granite
- Hill
- Jefferson
- Judith Basin
- Lake
- Lewis and Clark
- Liberty
- Lincoln
- Madison
- McCone
- Meagher
- Mineral
- Musselshell
- Park
- Petroleum
- Phillips
- Pondera
- Powell
- Prairie
- Ravalli
- Richland
- Roosevelt
- Rosebud
- Sanders
- Sheridan
- Stillwater
- Sweet Grass
- Teton
- Toole
- Treasure
- Valley
- Wheatland
- Wibaux
- Yellowstone
Q: Is the 406 area code growing or declining in population?
A: The 406 area code has been experiencing a slow but steady decline in population since the 1990s. This is due to aging population, out-migration, and low birth rates. However, the state of Montana has implemented various strategies to promote economic growth and attract more people, so there is a possibility of population growth in the future.
Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in the 406 area code?
A: Montana is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities. Some popular tourist attractions in the 406 area code include Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Flathead Lake, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, and hot springs such as Chico Hot Springs and Quinn’s Hot Springs. The area code also includes several ski resorts, such as Big Sky Resort, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and Red Lodge Mountain Resort.
Q: What is the climate like in the 406 area code?
A: The climate in the 406 area code varies depending on location, but it is typically characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The eastern part of the state tends to have harsher winters with more snowfall, while the western part has milder winters and more rainfall. The average temperature in Montana ranges from 0°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
All Cities & Towns in the 406 Area Code
Below is a map that shows all the cities and towns in the 406 area code, their population, and their county:
(Source: Wikipedia)
As seen on the map, the 406 area code covers a vast area of Montana, including both urban and rural areas. The area code includes the state capital, Helena, as well as the largest city, Billings. However, most of the cities and towns in the 406 area code have a small population, with only a few exceeding 10,000 residents. The total population of the area code is around 1 million.
Geography
The state of Montana has a diverse geography, with different types of landforms such as mountains, prairies, and lakes. The Rocky Mountains run through the western part of the state, while the eastern part is mostly covered by the Great Plains. The Continental Divide also runs through the state, with most of the rivers flowing west into the Pacific Ocean and east into the Gulf of Mexico.
The highest point in Montana is Granite Peak, standing at 12,799 feet. It is located in the Beartooth Range, part of the Rocky Mountains. The longest river in the state is the Missouri River, which forms the eastern boundary of Montana. The Missouri River is also a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Education
The state of Montana has a well-established education system, with numerous public and private schools, colleges, and universities. The Montana Office of Public Instruction oversees the state’s K-12 education system, which includes over 800 public schools. Some of the top-ranked public schools in the 406 area code include Bozeman High School, Shepherd High School, and Billings West High School.
Montana is also home to several prestigious higher education institutions, such as the University of Montana and Montana State University. These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, and business.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Montana consists of a mix of public and private healthcare providers. The state has numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical centers serving the population of the 406 area code. Some of the top-ranked hospitals in Montana include Billings Clinic, Saint Patrick Hospital in Missoula, and Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
The state also has several federally funded healthcare facilities, such as the Indian Health Service hospitals and community health centers, providing healthcare services to the Native American population in Montana.
Government & Administration
The city of Helena serves as the state capital of Montana and is the base for the state government. The state government of Montana is divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, whose members are elected by citizens in their respective districts.
The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Montana, who serves a four-year term and is responsible for implementing state laws and managing state budgets. The judicial branch consists of the Montana Supreme Court, district courts, and justice courts, which handle criminal and civil cases within their respective jurisdictions.
Recent Changes & Updates
In June 2016, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator announced that Montana would receive a new area code, 572, due to the continuous depletion of available telephone numbers. This new area code will serve the same area as the existing 406 area code. However, the implementation of this new area code has been delayed, and the need for it has been reassessed due to ongoing improvements in number utilization and forecasting techniques.
Q&A
If you have any questions or concerns about the 406 area code, please refer to the following Q&A section:
Q: Do I need to dial the area code when making calls within the 406 area code?
A: No, if you are making a local call within the 406 area code, you do not need to dial the area code. You only need to dial the area code if you are making a long-distance call to a different area code.
Q: Can I keep my current phone number if I move within the 406 area code?
A: Yes, you can keep your current phone number if you move within the same area code. This is known as “number portability.”
Q: How do I make international calls from the 406 area code?
A: To make international calls from the 406 area code, you need to dial your country’s international access code, followed by the country code, area code, and local number. For example, to call someone in the United Kingdom, you would dial 011 44 [country code] [area code] [local number].
Q: Are there any plans to split the 406 area code in the future?
A: As of now, there are no plans to split the 406 area code. However, if the growth in demand for telephone numbers increases significantly, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator may consider splitting the area code or implementing a new overlay area code.
Q: How do I report a telemarketing or spoofing scam call from the 406 area code?
A: You can report telemarketing or spoofing scam calls to the Federal Communications Commission by filling out the online complaint form on their website. You should also report these calls to the Montana Department of Justice Consumer Protection Office.