251 Area Code Local Phone Numbers to Build Customer Trust
December 24, 2025

251 Area Code: Get a Local Phone Number for Southwestern Alabama

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The 251 area code covers a dense, vital region of Southwestern Alabama, making it an essential choice for businesses seeking a credible local presence in the region’s key port, aerospace, military, and coastal tourism centers.

Getting a 251 number helps companies build trust, improve call response rates, and connect more effectively with customers across Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, and the broader Baldwin County areas. The 251 area code is the sole code for its region and borders the 334 and 205/659 area codes.

What is the 251 Area Code?

The 251 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) serving a critical region of Southwestern Alabama. It primarily covers the coastal, industrial, and fast-growing metropolitan areas surrounding Mobile Bay and the Gulf Coast.

It includes the cities of Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, and Spanish Fort and covers Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties, as well as parts of several other inland counties. The 251 area code was created on June 18, 2001, as a split from the original 334 area code, which covered most of the southern half of the state.

  • State: Alabama
  • Major Cities/Areas: Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Foley, Gulf Shores, Atmore
  • Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
  • Established: 2001
  • Overlay Area Code: None
  • Primary Uses: Residential lines, neighborhood businesses, major academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and local mobile numbers.

Regions Covered by 251 Area Code

The 251 area code encompasses the entire Southwestern Alabama region, including the major port and manufacturing center of Mobile and extending east across Mobile Bay to the popular coastal communities of Baldwin County. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major counties and cities covered by the 251 area code:

Mobile County
  • Mobile
  • Prichard
  • Saraland
  • Chickasaw
  • Citronelle
  • Dauphin Island
  • Theodore
Baldwin County
  • Daphne
  • Fairhope
  • Foley
  • Gulf Shores
  • Bay Minette
  • Spanish Fort
  • Orange Beach
  • Robertsdale
  • Loxley
Escambia County
  • Atmore
  • Brewton
  • Flomaton
  • East Brewton
Clarke County
  • Jackson
  • Grove Hill
  • Coffeeville
  • Thomasville
Monroe County
  • Monroeville
  • Frisco City
  • Beatrice
Washington County
  • Chatom
  • Millry
  • McIntosh
Choctaw County
  • Butler
  • Gilbertown
  • Silas
Conecuh County
  • Evergreen
  • Castleberry
  • Repton
Wilcox County
  • Pine Apple
  • Camden (partially)
  • Pine Hill (partially)

Population & Demographics of 251 Area Code

The 251 area code serves the Southwestern Alabama region, anchored by Mobile County and the city of Mobile. Mobile is the largest population center in this numbering plan area, with a 2023 population of 185,097, and is currently experiencing a slight annual population decline of -0.654%.

The local economy of the region is characterized by modest median income levels. In the city of Mobile, the median household income is $51,090, and the city's poverty rate stands at 18.9%.

Demographically, Mobile's population is distinctly composed:

  • Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents make up 52.7%.
  • White (Non-Hispanic) residents make up 39.2%.
  • Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents make up 2.14%.
  • Two or more races (Non-Hispanic) residents make up 1.99%.
  • Hispanic residents make up 3.14%.

251 Area Code Time Zone

The 251 area code is located entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT). This means that during standard time, the time zone is Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6. During daylight saving time, the time zone is Central Daylight Time (CDT), which is UTC-5.

Business Importance of 251 Area Code

The 251 area code adds local trust and credibility, making it valuable for local businesses. Here’s how a business number with the 251 area code is important for your business:

Why Local Numbers Build Trust

When customers see a local 251 area code number, they immediately recognize it as part of their community. This familiarity creates trust and reduces hesitation to answer calls. Research shows that consumers are more likely to pick up calls from numbers with local area codes compared to unfamiliar or out-of-state numbers.

For small businesses, using a local area code 251 number shows commitment to serving the community. For larger enterprises, it signals accessibility and helps build stronger relationships with regional customers.

Enterprise Businesses That Benefit From a Local 251 Number

Some well-known enterprises that would benefit from a local 251 number include:

Finance & Banking

A local area code number helps banks improve trust and call response for fraud alerts, loan processing, branch outreach, and wealth-management communication across this major regional commercial center.

  • Trustmark Bank: Maintains a strong regional network and branch presence across Mobile, Baldwin, and the surrounding counties of the 251 area.
  • Regions Bank: Operates a significant branch network and commercial banking presence throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast region.
  • Cadence Bank (formerly BancorpSouth): Provides extensive retail and commercial banking services to the major cities within the area code.
  • Major Credit Unions: Institutions like Legacy Community Federal Credit Union and Mobile Bay Federal Credit Union have a large presence serving residents and military communities.

Healthcare

A local area code number helps hospitals and clinics improve appointment confirmations, patient coordination, and triage communication across the dense, highly populated Mobile metropolitan area.

  • Mobile Infirmary Medical Center: A major acute care hospital and large employer, serving as a primary healthcare provider for Mobile County.
  • Providence Hospital (Ascension): A major full-service hospital and teaching facility located in Mobile.
  • University of South Alabama Health System: Includes the USA Health University Hospital and USA Children's & Women's Hospital, serving as key academic and specialty medical centers.
  • Springhill Medical Center: A premier healthcare institution noted for delivering high-quality patient care and advanced medical treatments in Mobile.
  • Saad Healthcare: A significant provider of home healthcare and hospice services throughout the Mobile area.

Logistics & Transportation

Streamlines delivery coordination, reduces missed drop-offs, and strengthens customer callback reliability for operations tied to the Port of Mobile, a central hub for the Gulf Coast and inland waterways.

  • Alabama State Port Authority (Port of Mobile): A critical deep-water terminal for containers, bulk cargo, and inland waterway traffic, relying heavily on local communication.
  • Norton Lilly International: A leading provider in shipping, logistics, and port management, instrumental in facilitating international trade at the Port of Mobile.
  • ASF Global Logistics: Provides freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions tailored to the port and Gulf Coast markets.
  • DHL/FedEx/UPS: Maintain large distribution and sorting facilities in the Mobile Aeroplex and surrounding areas to service the Southeast.

Aerospace & Manufacturing

Localized support lines help high-value manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) firms deliver fast service, sales responses, and coordinated supply chain communication.

  • Airbus Americas: Operates its U.S. Manufacturing Facility for commercial aircraft assembly at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.
  • VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering (VT MAE): A major provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services for commercial carriers, located at the Mobile Aeroplex.
  • Austal USA: A large shipbuilder and defense contractor specializing in aluminum vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.
  • AM/NS Calvert: A major carbon steel manufacturer providing steel to the North American auto and energy industries.

Insurance

Local numbers build trust for claims, policy updates, and underwriting communication across this high-value, coastal real estate market prone to hurricane risk.

  • Pilot Catastrophe: Stands out in the insurance industry by offering specialized services in catastrophe response, often rapidly deploying teams in the area following major weather events.
  • Schneider Insurance Agency, Inc.: A long-standing independent insurance agency serving Alabama, offering business and personal coverage, including high-net-worth and coastal risk insurance.
  • Regional Insurance Groups: Numerous agencies and offices specializing in property, casualty, and marine insurance to cover the unique risks of the Gulf Coast.

How to Get a 251 Area Code Number?

Setting up your 251 area code number with Goodcall is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign Up: Create your account with Goodcall using basic business details.
  2. Select Your Plan: Choose the pricing plan that best matches your company’s needs.
  3. Complete KYC: Verify your identity and business information for compliance.
  4. Pick a Number: Browse the available 251 numbers and select the one you want.
  5. Customize Agent: Set up your AI-powered answering agent with greetings, call routing, and voicemail preferences.
  6. Go Live: Activate your number and start receiving calls immediately.

Benefits of Using Goodcall for the 251 Area Code

Choosing Goodcall means more than just getting a local number; it means equipping your business with tools to handle calls efficiently.

  • 24/7 Availability: Ensure no customer call is missed.
  • AI Answering Services: Professional, automated responses for smoother communication.
  • Cost-Effective: Flexible pricing designed for small to enterprise-level businesses.
  • Scalable Solutions: Upgrade features as your business grows.
  • Local Credibility: Build customer trust with a recognizable area code.

With these advantages, Goodcall makes it easier for you to manage calls and focus on growing your business.

Pricing Plans for Local Numbers

Our local 251 area code numbers come with affordable pricing plans designed to fit every business size. We offer flexible pricing options that scale with your needs, whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise. Additionally, you can save 30% on annual subscriptions, giving your business more value at a lower cost.

Nearby Area Codes to 251

Areas Area Code
Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Alabaster 205, 659
Montgomery, Dothan, Auburn, Opelika, Phenix City 334
Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden, Anniston 256, 938

FAQS

What is the 251 area code, and where is it located?

The 251 area code serves southeastern Alabama, covering the Gulf Coast region, with its major city being Mobile, along with surrounding areas like Daphne, Fairhope, and Gulf Shores. 

What cities does the 251 area code cover?

The 251 area code covers southeastern Alabama, centered around the Gulf Coast, with the major city being Mobile, plus other key areas like Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Saraland, and Prichard.

What time zone is area code 251 in?

The 251 area code, serving southeastern Alabama, is in the Central Time Zone (CT).

Does the 251 area code get spam calls?

Like any area code, spam and robocalls do occur, but using a trusted business provider like Goodcall helps filter unwanted calls.

Which types of businesses benefit most from a local 251 number?

Local service providers, tech companies, restaurants, real estate agents, and startups benefit from a 251 number, as it boosts local trust and visibility.

How can I get a local 251 area code number for my business?

You can get a 251 number easily by signing up with Goodcall, choosing your plan, and selecting your preferred local number.

Can I forward calls from my 251 number elsewhere?

Yes. With Goodcall, you can forward calls to any phone, ensuring you never miss a customer inquiry.

How much does it cost to get a 251 area code number?

Goodcall plans are affordable and flexible, at $66 per month per agent annually.

Is the 251 area code toll-free?

No, 251 is not a toll-free area code. It’s a geographic code for Alabama, designed to give businesses a trusted local identity. Toll-free numbers in the US typically begin with prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, or 855.

Last updated:
December 24, 2025

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