#Local Number
July 29, 2026

Area Code 253: Washington Phone Numbers

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What Is Area Code 253?

Area code 253 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves Washington, including major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Federal Way, and Auburn.

  • State: Washington
  • Major Cities: Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Federal Way, and Auburn
  • Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT -08:00)
  • Established: April 27, 1997
  • Overlay Area Codes: No overlay
  • Region Population: Approximately 3.4 million residents across Washington.
  • Primary Uses: Mobile and residential phone service, home service businesses, healthcare, business communications, retail, government organizations, education, and tourism.

What Time Zone Is Area Code 253 In?

Area code 253 is located in the Pacific Time Zone (PT) and serves the state of Washington.

  • Pacific Standard Time (PST): GMT−8:00
  • Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): GMT−7:00 during daylight saving time

Population & Demographics of Area Code 253

Area code 253 serves western Washington, encompassing a population of roughly 3.4 million. Its coverage includes major commercial centers, residential suburbs, port cities, and growing communities, making it an important region for businesses across industries. 

  • Estimated Population: Approximately 3.4 million
  • Region: Washington 
  • Average Household Size: 2.49 people
  • Gender Distribution: 49.21% female and 50.79% male
  • Population Density: Highest in Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, and Federal Way
  • Largest Population Centers: Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, and Puyallup

Counties and Cities Covered by Area Code 

 Two counties and the cities under the counties served by area code 253:

Pierce County
  • Tacoma
  • Parkland
  • University Place
  • Spanaway
  • Bonney Lake
  • Fife
  • Edgewood
  • Sumner
  • Midland
  • Gig Harbor
  • Milton
  • Wollochet
  • Steilacoom
  • Wauna
  • Rosedale
  • Longbranch
  • Alderton
  • Roy
King County
  • Kent
  • Federal Way
  • Auburn
  • Des Moines
  • Covington
  • Pacific
  • Algona
  • Summit
  • Maplewood

History & Background of Area Code 253

Area code 253 was introduced on April 27, 1997, when it was split from area code 206. 253 does not have an overlay and remains the sole area code serving its geographic region. Washington currently has 10 active area codes.   

It serves over 27 cities across two counties

  • April 27, 1997: Area code 253 was introduced through a geographic split from 206 to serve Tacoma, Pierce County, and nearby communities, while surrounding areas retained the 206 area code
  • Current: Area code 253 continues to support businesses and communities throughout western Washington.

Why Local Numbers Build Trust

A 253 phone number gives your business a recognizable presence in Washington, making it easier for customers to identify and trust your business. Here are some key benefits:

  • Increase Call Answer Rates: People are more likely to answer calls from a familiar 253 area code than from an unfamiliar out-of-state number, helping you connect with more customers.
  • Build Local Credibility: A local 253 number shows that your business serves the Tacoma area and nearby communities, strengthening your reputation and customer confidence.
  • Improve Local Search Presence: Using your 253 phone number consistently on your website, Google Business Profile, and online directories reinforces your local identity and supports local SEO.
  • Strengthen Customer Confidence: A recognizable local number makes your business feel more accessible and trustworthy, encouraging customers to reach out, ask questions, and schedule appointments.

Benefits of Using Goodcall for 253 Area Code

  • AI-Powered 24/7 Call Answering :Never miss a business opportunity. Goodcall's AI phone agent answers every call around the clock, even after business hours.
  • Professional Local Presence: Get a 253 phone number that helps your business establish credibility and connect with customers throughout Washington. 
  • Smart Call Routing: Automatically forward calls to the right team member, department, or location, ensuring every caller reaches the appropriate person quickly.
  • Intelligent Lead Capture: Collect caller information, qualify leads, and prioritize high-value prospects without requiring manual intervention.
  • Appointment Scheduling: Allow customers to book, reschedule, or confirm appointments over the phone using AI-powered automation.
  • Seamless Call Forwarding: Forward calls from your 253 number to any mobile phone, landline, or team member anywhere in the United States.
  • Unlimited AI Conversations: Every Goodcall plan includes unlimited calling minutes and AI tokens, helping your business handle customer conversations without worrying about usage limits.
  • Quick and Easy Setup: Choose your 253 phone number, activate your AI phone agent, and start receiving calls within minutes and no additional hardware or technical expertise required.

How to Get a 253 Area Code Phone Number with Goodcall

Getting a 253 phone number with Goodcall is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to set up your local business number and start managing calls with Goodcall:

  • Sign Up: Create your Goodcall account using your business information.
  • Select Your Plan: Choose the Goodcall plan that matches your business size, call volume, and automation requirements.
  • Complete KYC: Verify your business details through the required KYC process before activating your phone number.
  • Pick a Number: Browse available 253 area code numbers and choose one that best represents your business.
  • Customize Your AI Agent: Configure greetings, call routing, business hours, FAQs, and appointment scheduling for your AI phone agent.
  • Go Live: Activate your number and let Goodcall answer, manage, and route customer calls around the clock.

Nearby Area Codes to 253

Here are the nearby regions area code 253 is surrounded by and their area codes:

Areas Area Code
Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Vancouver, Bellingham (WA) 425, 360, 564
Snohomish, Spokane, Yakima, Kennewick (WA) 206, 360, 564, 509
Portland, Salem, Gresham, Eugene, Bend, Medford (OR) 503, 971, 458, 541

FAQs

Where is area code 253 located?

Area code 253 serves western Washington, covering Tacoma and many surrounding communities in Pierce County, along with portions of King, Thurston, Kitsap, and Mason counties. 

What time zone is area code 253?

Area code 253 is located in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). It observes Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7) during daylight saving time. 

What cities are in the 253 area code?

The 253 area code serves more than 27 cities, including Tacoma, University Place, Auburn, Bonney Lake, Fife, and Sumner. 

What state is area code 253 in?

Area code 253 is located in Washington State, primarily serving the Tacoma metropolitan area and surrounding communities. 

What counties are in the 253 area code?

Area code 253 covers Pierce and King Counties.

Is area code 253 still active?

Yes. Area code 253 remains active and continues to serve businesses and residents throughout western Washington. 

Is 253 a toll-free area code?

No. 253 is a geographic area code assigned to western Washington. U.S. toll-free area codes include 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888. 

What is the population of the 253 area code?

Area code 253 serves approximately 3.4 million people across the Tacoma metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

Is 253 an overlay area code?

No. 253 is not an overlay area code. It is the sole area code serving its geographic region and currently has no overlay. 

When was area code 845 introduced?

Area code 253 was introduced on April 27, 1997, when it split from area code 206 to accommodate the increasing demand for telephone numbers in western Washington. 

Do I need to have an address in New York to get an 845 area code number?

No. Businesses and individuals can obtain a 253 area code number from VoIP providers like Goodcall without maintaining a physical office in Washington, subject to identity verification requirements.

Is area code 845 a scam?

No. Area code 253 is a legitimate Washington area code. However, scammers can spoof any U.S. area code, including 253, so it's important to verify unexpected callers before sharing personal or financial information. 

Which types of businesses benefit most from a local 845 number?

Healthcare providers, contractors, law firms, real estate agencies, retailers, restaurants, home service businesses, logistics companies, and professional service firms benefit from a local 253 number because it establishes a recognizable presence in the Tacoma and Puget Sound region. 

Can I forward calls from my 845 number elsewhere?

Yes. Goodcall allows you to forward calls from your 253 number to another mobile phone, landline, team member, or office location anywhere in the United States. 

How much does it cost to get an 845 area code number?

Goodcall plans start at $79 per agent per month and include a 253 area code number, an AI phone agent, unlimited calling minutes, and AI tokens. 

© Goodcall 2026. All right reserved.

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