Receive a local area code
217
You can get a business phone with Area Code 217 for free with Phonely. For less than $60 / Month, you can even equip your phone number with an AI phone receptionist that talks like a human and answeres FAQ's, schedules appointments, routes your calls and so much more.
Economic Overview
The 217 area code region is economically diverse, with a strong emphasis on government services, higher education, healthcare, and agriculture. Major employers include the State of Illinois, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Memorial Health, and various manufacturing and agribusiness firms. The area benefits from both urban centers and productive rural farmland.
Geographical Overview
Area code 217 primarily covers central Illinois, including major cities such as Springfield (the state capital), Champaign, Urbana, Decatur, and Danville. It spans multiple counties, including Sangamon, Champaign, Macon, Vermilion, and Morgan. The region features a mix of urban environments, small towns, and agricultural landscapes.
Location Info
The 217 area code encompasses much of central Illinois, stretching from the Indiana border on the east to near the Illinois River on the west, and from Lincoln and Mattoon in the south to Tuscola and Jacksonville in the north. It does not include the Chicago metropolitan area or the Metro East region near St. Louis. Key cities within its boundaries are Springfield, Champaign, Urbana, Decatur, and Danville.
Population Demographics
The population in the 217 region is predominantly White, with significant African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities in urban areas. The region includes a blend of college students, government workers, and rural residents, resulting in a mix of age groups and educational backgrounds. Population density is highest in cities like Springfield and Champaign-Urbana, with more sparsely populated rural areas elsewhere.
Time Zone Info
Area code 217 is located entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
Other Area Code Details
Established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes, 217 has a rich political and educational legacy, being home to Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield and the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. In 2021, area code 447 was overlaid to accommodate growing demand for phone numbers in the region.
