618 area code

The 618 area code is a North American telephone area code in the state of Illinois. It primarily serves the southern regions of the state, including major cities such as Belleville, Carbondale, and East St. Louis. In this guide, we will dive into the specifics of the 618 area code, including the cities, counties, and towns that use it, as well as its geography, climate, tourist attractions, education, healthcare, government, and administration. We will also cover recent changes and updates to the area code and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

What Cities Use the 618 Area Code?

The 618 area code covers a large portion of southern Illinois, including 35 counties. Some major cities that use the 618 area code include:

• Belleville
• Carbondale
• East St. Louis
• Granite City
• Marion
• Alton
• Collinsville
• Edwardsville
• Galesburg
• Murphysboro

In addition to these major cities, the 618 area code also serves smaller towns and communities, making it a diverse and varied region in Illinois.

Which Counties are Included in the 618 Area Code?

The 618 area code covers a total of 35 counties in southern Illinois. These include:

• Alexander
• Bond
• Brown
• Calhoun
• Christian
• Clinton
• Crawford
• Cumberland
• Edwards
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Gallatin
• Greene
• Hamilton
• Hardin
• Jefferson
• Jersey
• Johnson
• Jackson
• Lawrence
• Macoupin
• Madison
• Marion
• Massac
• Monroe
• Montgomery
• Perry
• Pope
• Pulaski
• Richland
• St. Clair
• Saline
• Sangamon
• Schuyler
• Shelby
• Union
• Washington
• White

What are the Major Cities in the 618 Area Code?

The 618 area code encompasses a variety of cities and towns, but some of the largest and most notable include:

• Belleville: As the largest city in the 618 area code, Belleville has a population of over 44,000 people. It is known for its beautiful parks, charming downtown area, and historic architecture.
• Carbondale: Home to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale is a college town with a population of over 26,000 people. It offers a vibrant cultural scene and outdoor recreational opportunities.
• East St. Louis: With a population of over 26,000 people, East St. Louis was once a bustling industrial city. It now boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and numerous tourist attractions.
• Alton: Situated on the Mississippi River, Alton has a population of over 26,000 people. It is known for its stunning riverfront views, antique shops, and historic sites.

All Cities and Towns in the 618 Area Code

As mentioned earlier, the 618 area code covers a large portion of southern Illinois and includes numerous cities and towns. Here is a full list of all the cities and towns in the 618 area code:

Alexander, Alhambra, Alton, Ashley, Assumption, Auburn, Ava, Bartelso, Belleville, Benld, Benton, Bethalto, Bluford, Bondville, Brighton, Brownstown, Bunker Hill, Butler, Calhoun, Carbondale, Carlyle, Carmi, Centralia, Chatham, Cherokee Pass, Chester, Clayton, Cobden, Collinsville, Columbia, Coulterville, Cottage Hills, Coulterville, Creal Springs, Cutler, DeSoto, Dongola, Dow, Du Quoin, East Carondelet, East St. Louis, Edinburg, Edwardsville, Effingham, Elsah, Fairmont City, Fairmont City, Farmersville, Fidelity, Fieldon, Findlay, Flora, Freeburg, Fults, Galesburg, Galatia, Gillespie, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Golconda, Goreville, Grand Tower, Granite City, Greenup, Hamel, Hardin, Harrisburg, Hartford, Hecker, Herrin, Highland, Hillsboro, Hoffman, Hurst, Ina, Irving, Iuka, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Johnston City, Junction, Kinmundy, Lawrenceville, Le Roy, Lebanon, Lenzburg, Liberty, Lincoln, Litchfield, Livingston, Macon, Makanda, Marine, Marion, Marissa, Maryville, Mascoutah, McLeansboro, Medora, Memphis, Millstadt, Minonk, Mitchell, Moro, Mount Carmel, Mount Olive, Mount Sterling, Mount Vernon, Murphysboro, Nashville, Nokomis, O’Fallon, Oakdale, Okawville, Oraville, Palestine, Palmer, Palmyra, Pana, Pawnee, Percy, Perryville, Pierson Station, Pinckneyville, Plainville, Pocahontas, Pontoon Beach, Prairie Du Rocher, Pulaski, Ramsey, Red Bud, Richview, Ruma, Saint Libory, Salem, Sandoval, Sesser, Shattuc, Shawneetown, Shipman, Smithboro, Smithton, Sparta, Springfield, Staunton, Steeleville, Stewardson, Sumner, Taylorville, Teutopolis, Tilden, Todds Mill, Trenton, Troy, Ullin, Vandalia, Vernor, Villa Grove, Vienna, Virgil, Wamac, Warsaw, Waterloo, Waynesville, Wedron, West Frankfort, West Point, White City, Woodlawn.

Geography and Climate of the 618 Area Code

The 618 area code covers a diverse and varied geography in southern Illinois. The region is part of the Ozark Plateau, with rolling hills and fertile valleys. The Shawnee National Forest spans over 270,000 acres in the southernmost portion of the 618 area code, providing breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The climate in the 618 area code is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature during the summer months is around 85°F, while the average temperature during winter is around 32°F. The region receives an average of 48 inches of rainfall per year, with the majority of it occurring during the spring and summer months.

Tourist Attractions in the 618 Area Code

The 618 area code is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its many attractions and activities. Some notable tourist attractions in the 618 area code include:

• Shawnee National Forest: As mentioned earlier, this national forest offers stunning landscapes, scenic drives, camping, hiking, and rock climbing.
• Bald Knob Cross: Located in Alto Pass, this 111-foot cross is a popular site for visitors, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
• Garden of the Gods: Another popular spot for hiking and scenic views, this natural rock formation in the Shawnee National Forest offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.
• Cedarhurst Center for the Arts: This 90-acre complex in Mt Vernon features beautiful outdoor gardens and a variety of indoor art galleries, making it an ideal destination for art lovers.
• Lake Murphysboro State Park: This state park offers camping, fishing, hiking, and boating opportunities, as well as stunning views of rolling hills and a 20-acre lake.

Education in the 618 Area Code

The 618 area code is home to several notable colleges and universities, including Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It also has several community colleges, including Southwestern Illinois College, John A. Logan College, and Kaskaskia College. These institutions offer a variety of educational opportunities for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as vocational training.

Healthcare in the 618 Area Code

The 618 area code has access to quality healthcare with numerous hospitals and medical centers located in the region. Some of the largest and most notable include:

• Memorial Hospital Belleville
• St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon
• Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville
• Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Highland
• St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham
• Herrin Hospital in Herrin

Government and Administration

The 618 area code is located within the state of Illinois, and as such, is governed by the state’s laws and regulations. Each city and town within the 618 area code has its own local government, with elected officials responsible for overseeing and managing the community’s needs. The region is represented in the state’s government by numerous state senators and representatives, as well as a U.S. Congressman.

The 618 area code also has access to state and federal services, such as public transportation, emergency services, and social services.

Recent Changes and Updates to the 618 Area Code

The 618 area code has remained unchanged since it was established in 1954. However, in 2019, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator announced that a new area code, 447, would be added to the same region served by the 618 area code. This means that residents and businesses in the 618 area code may receive a new area code when their phone numbers need to be changed or reassigned. The 447 area code is expected to go into effect in 2022.

FAQs about the 618 Area Code

Q: What area code is 618?

A: