Illinois · Central Time
309 Area Code
Area code 309 is in Illinois, serving west-central and northwest Illinois including Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and the Quad Cities. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 861, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 309 area code?
309 is a Illinois area code covering west-central and northwest Illinois including Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and the Quad Cities. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 309 area code
- Peoria
- Bloomington
- Normal
- Moline
- Rock Island
- Pekin
- East Peoria
- Galesburg
- Macomb
- East Moline
- Canton
- Kewanee
Counties served by 309
Peoria County, McLean County, Rock Island County, Tazewell County, Knox County, McDonough County, Fulton County, Henry County, Woodford County and Mercer County.
309 overlay codes and dialing
The 309 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 309, 861. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 309. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 309 area code
309 went into service on January 1, 1957. It serves Peoria and the surrounding part of Illinois, and today shares its territory with overlay code 861. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 309 a scam or spam risk?
309 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 309 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Peoria, IL or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Illinois area codes
Explore more
See every code in Illinois, compare codes across the Midwest region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 3XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
309 area code FAQ
Where is the 309 area code?
The 309 area code is in Illinois, covering west-central and northwest Illinois including Peoria, Bloomington-Normal and the Quad Cities, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 309 area code?
Cities in the 309 area code include Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Moline, Rock Island, Pekin, East Peoria, Galesburg, Macomb and East Moline.
What time zone is 309 in?
309 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 309 area code?
309 shares its territory with 861. Both codes (309, 861) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 309 area code start?
309 went into service on January 1, 1957.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 309?
Yes. Because 309 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 309 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 309 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.