What is 218 Area Code?

The 218 area code is one of the original North American area codes, established in 1947. It was created to serve the northern and western parts of Minnesota. Due to its large geographical size and low population density, it has not been overlaid with a new area code, unlike many other regions. It is a vital numbering plan area for the northern half of the state. 

  • State: Minnesota 
  • Major Cities: Duluth, Moorhead, Hibbing, Bemidji, and Brainerd 
  • Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST) / Central Daylight Time (CDT) 
  • Established: 1947 
  • Overlay Area Codes: None 
  • Region Population: Approximately 909,054 
  • Primary Uses: Business, Residential

Regions Covered by 218 Area Code

The 218 area code covers roughly the northern half of Minnesota, spanning from the North Dakota border to Lake Superior and northward to the Canadian border. Here is a list of 32 counties and a wide range of cities under this area code:

St. Louis County
  • Duluth
  • Virginia
  • Ely
  • Proctor
  • Eveleth
  • Gilbert
  • Hibbing
  • Hermantown
  • Chisholm
  • Mountain Iron
  • Hoyt Lakes
Clay County
  • Moorhead
  • Hawley
  • Dilworth
  • Barnesville
Crow Wing County
  • Brainerd
  • Crosby
  • Crosslake
  • Baxter
  • Pequot Lakes
  • Nisswa
Itasca County
  • Grand Rapids
  • Coleraine
  • Bovey
  • Cohasset
  • Deer River
Becker County
  • Detroit Lakes
  • Lake Park
  • Frazee
  • Audubon
Beltrami County
  • Bemidji
  • Blackduck
  • Cass Lake
  • Red Lake
Otter Tail County
  • Fergus Falls
  • Pelican Rapids
  • Perham
  • New York Mills
Polk County
  • East Grand Forks
  • Fosston
  • Crookston
  • Fertile
Carlton County
  • Cloquet
  • Scanlon
  • Moose Lake
  • Carlton
Cass County
  • Walker
  • Backus
  • Pine River
  • Longville
Aitkin County
  • Aitkin
  • Palisade
  • McGregor
  • Tamarack
Pennington County
  • Thief River Falls
  • St. Hilaire
  • Goodridge
Wadena County
  • Wadena
  • Menahga
  • Sebeka
Koochiching County
  • International Falls
  • Ranier
  • Littlefork
Roseau County
  • Roseau
  • Badger
  • Warroad

Population & Demographics of 218 Area Code

The 218 area code serves a large geographic area with a diversified economy. While the region is less densely populated than the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, it includes major population centers like Duluth and Moorhead. 

The population is predominantly White, with a significant presence of Native American communities, particularly within and near reservations. The region has a unique demographic blend of urban and rural residents, contributing to a varied consumer market.

218 Area Code Time Zone

The 218 area code is located in the Central Time Zone (CT). This is an important consideration for businesses, as it aligns with the operational hours of other major cities in the central United States. Businesses should be mindful of the time difference when communicating with customers and partners in other time zones.