661 area code

The 661 area code covers a large portion of central and southern California, including the majority of Kern County and parts of Los Angeles County, San Luis Obispo County, Tulare County, and Ventura County. This area code was created in 1999 as an overlay to the existing 805 area code, which had been serving most of the same territory for decades. Today, the 661 area code is home to a diverse population of over 2.5 million people and includes both rural and urban areas, with everything from large cities to small towns and rural communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What cities are part of the 661 area code?

The major cities within the 661 area code include Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and Santa Maria. Other cities and towns within this area code include Tehachapi, Taft, Ridgecrest, Delano, Mojave, Wasco, and Arvin.

Which counties use the 661 area code?

The majority of the 661 area code is located within Kern County. However, small portions of Los Angeles County, San Luis Obispo County, Tulare County, and Ventura County are also included in the 661 area code.

What are the major industries in the 661 area code?

The 661 area code is known for being home to a diverse range of industries. Agriculture, oil and gas production, aerospace, and healthcare are among the major industries in this area. Bakersfield is known as the “Oil Capital of California,” while Lancaster and Palmdale are home to several aerospace facilities.

What is the population of the 661 area code?

As of 2019, the estimated population of the 661 area code is over 2.5 million people. Bakersfield is the largest city in this area code, with a population of over 400,000, and the smallest town is California City, with a population of just over 14,000.

Is the 661 area code growing or shrinking in population?

Overall, the 661 area code has seen steady population growth over the past few decades. While some areas, such as Bakersfield, have experienced rapid growth due to their proximity to major cities like Los Angeles, other smaller towns have seen a decrease in population. As a whole, the 661 area code is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Area Codes and Zip Codes in the 661 Area Code

The 661 area code is not the only area code serving this region of California. Other nearby area codes include 805, 818, and 559. However, the 661 area code is the most prevalent and widely used in this area.

Within the 661 area code, there are several zip codes that correspond to different cities and towns. The largest city in this area code, Bakersfield, has a total of 46 zip codes, while smaller towns like Taft only have one. Some of the most notable zip codes within the 661 area code include 93301, 93304, 93536, 93560, and 93268.

As with most cities and towns in the United States, zip codes are used to help with mail delivery and sorting. However, they can also provide insights into a specific area’s population, demographics, income levels, and more.

Map of the 661 Area Code and its Cities & Towns

The map below illustrates the territory covered by the 661 area code, as well as its major cities and towns. As you can see, the 661 area code is quite expansive and covers a large portion of central and southern California.

Geography and Climate of the 661 Area Code

The 661 area code is located in the southern portion of the San Joaquin Valley, which is known for its fertile farmlands and agricultural production. However, this area code also includes portions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which provides stunning views and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

The climate of the 661 area code varies depending on the region, with the majority experiencing a hot, semi-arid climate. Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures reaching well into the triple digits, while winters are mild with occasional rainfall. The mountainous areas of this area code experience cooler temperatures and more precipitation throughout the year.

Tourist Attractions in the 661 Area Code

With its diverse landscape, the 661 area code offers a variety of tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Some of the most popular destinations in this area include:

• Sequoia National Forest: A stunning national forest known for its giant sequoia trees, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
• Mojave National Preserve: A desert preserve with unique geological formations, wildlife, and stunning views.
• Bakersfield Museum of Art: A renowned art museum showcasing a variety of art and exhibitions from international and local artists.
• Fort Tejon State Historic Park: A historic park featuring a restored fort and living history demonstrations.
• Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: A state-protected reserve featuring fields of vibrant wildflowers during the spring season.

Education in the 661 Area Code

The 661 area code is home to several notable colleges and universities, including California State University, Bakersfield, Antelope Valley College, and Cerro Coso Community College. There are also numerous public and private elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the 661 area code, providing a quality education for students of all ages.

Healthcare in the 661 Area Code

The 661 area code is served by several notable healthcare facilities, such as the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Antelope Valley Hospital, and Tehachapi Hospital. There are also numerous clinics and specialized medical facilities in this area, providing access to quality healthcare for residents in both urban and rural areas.

Government and Administration of the 661 Area Code

The 661 area code is governed by a mix of city and county governments, with each city and town having its own local government and administration. Kern County, the largest county within the 661 area code, is overseen by a county government with a board of supervisors and other elected officials. Los Angeles County also has a regional government that serves the areas within its boundaries that are part of the 661 area code.

Recent Changes and Updates to the 661 Area Code

In 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced that a new area code (840) would be added as an overlay to the existing 661 area code. This decision was made to accommodate the growing population in this area and the demand for new phone numbers. The new overlay will not change existing phone numbers but will require residents and businesses seeking new phone numbers to use the new 840 area code. This change is expected to go into effect in November 2021.

Q&A Section

If you have any questions about the 661 area code, here are some common inquiries and answers:

What is the time zone for the 661 area code?

The 661 area code is located in the Pacific time zone.

Is the 661 area code a toll-free number?

No, the 661 area code is not a toll-free number. Calls within this area code are considered local calls and will not incur any additional charges. However, long-distance calls may incur additional fees based on your phone plan.

I live in the 661 area code. Will my phone number change?

If you already have a phone number with the 661 area code, it will not change. However, any new phone numbers requested in your area code after the new overlay goes into effect may be assigned the new 840 area code.

How can I learn more about the 661 area code?

For more information about the 661 area code, you can visit the California Public Utilities Commission website or contact your phone service provider.

Are there any special dialing procedures for the 661 area code?

Beginning in October 2021, residents and businesses in the 661 area code will need to include the area code when making local calls. This is due to the addition of the new overlay code, 840.

Is the 661 area code an original area code?

No, the 661 area code was created as an overlay in 1999 to the existing 805 area code that had been serving the same region for decades. The decision to create the new area code was made due to the increase in population and demand for new phone numbers in this area.

With its diverse geography, growing population, and unique cities and towns, the 661 area code is a vibrant and fascinating part of California. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there is plenty to explore and discover in this area code – from stunning national parks to bustling cities and everything in between.