Receive a local area code
641
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Economic Overview
The 641 area code region is primarily rural, with an economy centered around agriculture, agribusiness, and small manufacturing. Key industries include crop and livestock production, food processing, and light manufacturing, with some regional healthcare and education institutions serving as major employers. Tourism and local retail also contribute to the economy in some of the larger towns.
Geographical Overview
Area code 641 covers central and north-central Iowa, serving a mix of small cities, towns, and rural communities. Major cities within this area code include Mason City, Ottumwa, Newton, Oskaloosa, and Grinnell. The region spans several counties, including Cerro Gordo, Wapello, Jasper, Mahaska, Poweshiek, and others.
Location Info
Area code 641 was created in 2000 as a split from area code 515, and it covers a band running through the central part of Iowa, excluding the Des Moines metropolitan area. Its boundaries extend roughly from Mason City in the north, down through Newton and Grinnell in central Iowa, to Ottumwa in the south. The area code generally covers the region east of Interstate 35 and west of the Mississippi River, but does not include the largest cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids.
Population Demographics
The population in the 641 area code is predominantly White and non-Hispanic, with a relatively high median age compared to urban areas. Communities are small to mid-sized, often characterized by a strong sense of local identity and lower population density. The region has seen modest population growth or slight decline in recent decades, reflecting broader rural demographic trends.
Time Zone Info
Area code 641 is entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
Other Area Code Details
Grinnell College, a nationally recognized liberal arts college, is located within the 641 area code in Grinnell, Iowa. Mason City, another major city in the 641 area, is known as the inspiration for Meredith Willson's musical "The Music Man." The region features scenic landscapes, including prairies, rolling farmland, and sections of the Iowa River.
