Introduction
The 661 area code is a vital component of California’s central and southern regions, serving a diverse population and economy. Understanding the 661 area code can help residents, business owners, and visitors navigate and appreciate its unique characteristics. Here are the key takeaways from this comprehensive guide:
Key Takeaways:
- The 661 area code serves the central and southern regions of California, covering Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
- The area code was created in 1999 to serve the growing population and businesses in the region.
- Major industries in the region include agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
- Popular cities to visit in the region include Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, Porterville, Delano, Wasco, and Shafter.
- Having a business phone number with the 661 area code can help establish a local presence, increase customer trust and credibility, and enhance business reputation and brand identity.
- The 661 area code is still active and serves as an overlay complex with the 820 area code, allowing for more efficient use of phone numbers in the region.
Location and Coverage
Where is the 661 Area Code?
The area code 661 is located in the state of California, specifically serving the central and southern regions. It covers a vast area, including:
- Kern County
- Tulare County
- Kings County
- Fresno County (parts of)
- Los Angeles County (parts of)
- San Luis Obispo County (parts of)
- Ventura County (parts of)
Cities in the 661 Area Code
Some of the major cities within the 661 area code include:
- Bakersfield
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Porterville
- Delano
- Wasco
- Shafter
Geographic Boundaries
The 661 area code region stretches from the Sierra Nevada mountains in the east to the Pacific Coast in the west, and from the San Joaquin Valley in the north to the Los Angeles metropolitan area in the south. This diverse geography supports a wide range of industries, including agriculture, energy, and tourism, making the 661 area code a unique and important region in California. A map of the 661 area code region would be helpful here to visualize the coverage area.
A map of the 661 area code region would be helpful here to visualize the coverage area.
History of the 661 Area Code
The 661 area code was created in 1999 as a split from the 805 area code. This split was necessary due to the rapid growth and increasing demand for phone numbers in the region. The area code 661 was designed to serve the growing population and businesses in the central and southern parts of California.
Over the years, the 661 area code has undergone some changes, including:
- In 2018, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a plan to overlay the area code 661 with a new area code, 820. This was done to ensure a continued supply of phone numbers in the region.
- Today, the 661 area code serves as an overlay complex with the 820 area code, allowing for more efficient use of phone numbers.
- In 2020, the 661 area code was officially exhausted, meaning that all available phone numbers within the code had been assigned. This led to the implementation of the overlay complex with the 820 area code.
The area code is expected to continue serving the central and southern parts of California, with the overlay complex ensuring that phone numbers remain available for new residents and businesses in the region.
Economic and Demographic Insights
The 661 area code region boasts a diverse economy, with a strong presence of various industries. Some of the key sectors include:
- Agriculture: Kern County is a leading producer of oil, natural gas, and agricultural products like grapes, almonds, and cattle.
- Energy: The region is home to several major energy companies, including oil and gas producers.
- Manufacturing: Cities like Bakersfield and Lancaster have a strong presence of manufacturing industries, including food processing, machinery, and aerospace.
- Healthcare and Education: Major employers in the region include healthcare providers and educational institutions.
The region’s population is approximately 1.5 million people, characterized by:
- A median age of 34.4 years old
- A median household income of $63,000
- A diverse population, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures
This diverse economy and population make the area code region a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work.
Popular Cities and Attractions
Some popular cities to visit in the 661 area code region include:
- Bakersfield: Known for its country music scene, Basque cuisine, and the Kern County Museum.
- Lancaster: Home to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and the Lancaster National Soccer Center.
- Palmdale: Features the Palmdale Amphitheater and the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark.
Top Attractions
Some top attractions in the region include:
- Sequoia National Forest: A scenic forest with hiking trails, camping sites, and the world’s largest tree by volume.
- Lake Isabella: A popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports.
- California Living Museum: A zoo and botanical garden showcasing California’s native wildlife and plants.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Unique Facts
- The 661 area code region is home to the largest wind farm in the United States, the Alta Wind Energy Center.
- The city of Bakersfield has its own unique musical genre, known as the “Bakersfield sound,” which influenced country music.
- The region is also known for its rich Native American history, with numerous archaeological sites and museums.
Surprising Statistics
- The area code region has a higher percentage of residents with a high school diploma or higher compared to the state average.
- The region is home to a growing number of renewable energy companies, with over 100 solar and wind energy companies operating in the area.
- The city of Lancaster has been named one of the “Most Business-Friendly Cities” in the United States by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.
Benefits for Businesses
Local Presence
Having a business phone number with the 661 area code can help businesses establish a local presence in the region, increasing customer trust and credibility, improving customer service and support, and enhancing business reputation and brand identity.
Targeted Marketing
The region provides businesses with a unique opportunity for targeted marketing, allowing them to reach a specific geographic audience, tailor marketing efforts to local demographics and preferences, and increase the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
Reliable Communication
Businesses in the 661 area code region can enjoy reliable and efficient communication with customers, partners, and employees, thanks to advanced telecommunications infrastructure, high-speed internet and data services, and access to cutting-edge business phone systems and features.
Competitive Advantage
Having a local phone number can give businesses a competitive edge in the market, setting them apart from competitors and establishing a strong local presence. This can lead to increased customer trust and loyalty, as customers are more likely to engage with local businesses that have a familiar area code.
Cost-Effective
Using a local phone number can also be cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for toll-free numbers or complex phone systems, reducing communication costs and increasing efficiency. Additionally, local phone numbers can be easily integrated with existing phone systems, minimizing the need for expensive upgrades or new equipment.
Conclusion
The area code 661 is a vital component of California’s central and southern regions, serving a diverse population and economy. Its significance spans from its rich history and strategic location to its economic and demographic insights, popular cities and attractions, and interesting facts. Moreover, the area code offers numerous benefits for businesses, making it a crucial part of the state’s communication infrastructure.
As the region continues to grow and evolve, understanding the 661 area code can help residents, business owners, and visitors navigate and appreciate its unique characteristics. The area code will remain an essential part of the region’s identity and communication landscape, playing a vital role in shaping its future. By recognizing the importance of the 661 area code, we can better connect with the communities and businesses it serves.
FAQs
The area code 661 serves the central and southern regions of California, including Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
The 661 area code was created in 1999 as a split from the 805 area code to serve the growing population and businesses in the central and southern parts of California.
The major industries in the 661 area code region include agriculture, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Some popular cities to visit in the 661 area code region include Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, Porterville, Delano, Wasco, and Shafter.
The benefits of having a business phone number with the 661 area code include establishing a local presence, increasing customer trust and credibility, improving customer service and support, and enhancing business reputation and brand identity.
Yes, the 661 area code is still active and serves as an overlay complex with the 820 area code, allowing for more efficient use of phone numbers in the region.
