Receive a local area code
254
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Economic Overview
Area code 254 encompasses a region with a diverse economy, including significant sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and military. Major employers include Baylor University in Waco, Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, and Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) near Killeen, which is one of the largest U.S. military installations. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and crop production, also plays a key role in the local economy.
Geographical Overview
Area code 254 primarily serves Central Texas, covering cities such as Waco, Killeen, Temple, Copperas Cove, Belton, Stephenville, and Gatesville. It includes portions of several counties, most notably McLennan, Bell, Coryell, Bosque, Erath, Lampasas, and Hamilton. The region features a mix of urban centers, small towns, and rural farmland.
Location Info
Area code 254 was created in 1997 as a split from area code 817 and covers a swath of Central Texas extending from the northern edge of the Austin metropolitan area up to the southern outskirts of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Its boundaries encompass communities along the I-35 corridor, stretching westward into the Cross Timbers and eastward toward the Brazos River. Key cities include Waco (the largest city in the area code), Killeen, and Temple.
Population Demographics
The 254 area code region is home to a diverse population, including a large military community, college students, and both urban and rural residents. The area is ethnically diverse, with significant White, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian populations. Population centers such as Waco, Killeen, and Temple have seen growth due to the presence of large institutions and affordable living.
Time Zone Info
Area code 254 is entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
Other Area Code Details
The region is known for landmarks such as the Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco, the Dr Pepper Museum, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) is a notable feature, being one of the world’s largest military bases, and Baylor University is a nationally recognized research institution. The area is also part of Texas’ “Blackland Prairie” and “Cross Timbers” ecological regions, offering a unique blend of landscapes.
