Missouri · Central Time
573 Area Code
Area code 573 is in Missouri, serving eastern and central Missouri outside St. Louis, from Columbia to the Bootheel. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 235, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 573 area code?
573 is a Missouri area code covering eastern and central Missouri outside St. Louis, from Columbia to the Bootheel. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 573 area code
- Columbia
- Jefferson City
- Cape Girardeau
- Rolla
- Poplar Bluff
- Sikeston
- Farmington
- Hannibal
- Mexico
- Fulton
- Osage Beach
- Kennett
Counties served by 573
Boone County, Cole County, Cape Girardeau County, Phelps County, Butler County, Scott County, St. Francois County, Marion County, Callaway County and Audrain County.
573 overlay codes and dialing
The 573 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 235, 573. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 573. 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 573 area code
573 went into service on January 7, 1996, created when it was split from 314. It serves Columbia and the surrounding part of Missouri, and today shares its territory with overlay code 235. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 573 a scam or spam risk?
573 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 573 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Columbia, MO or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Missouri area codes
Explore more
See every code in Missouri, compare codes across the Midwest region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 5XX 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
573 area code FAQ
Where is the 573 area code?
The 573 area code is in Missouri, covering eastern and central Missouri outside St. Louis, from Columbia to the Bootheel, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 573 area code?
Cities in the 573 area code include Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Farmington, Hannibal, Mexico and Fulton.
What time zone is 573 in?
573 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 573 area code?
573 shares its territory with 235. Both codes (235, 573) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 573 area code start?
573 went into service on January 7, 1996.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 573?
Yes. Because 573 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 573 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 573 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.