Wisconsin · Central Time
608 Area Code
Area code 608 is in Wisconsin, serving southwestern and south-central Wisconsin, including Madison, La Crosse and Janesville. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 353, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 608 area code?
608 is a Wisconsin area code covering southwestern and south-central Wisconsin, including Madison, La Crosse and Janesville. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 608 area code
- Madison
- Janesville
- La Crosse
- Beloit
- Sun Prairie
- Fitchburg
- Middleton
- Verona
- Stoughton
- Baraboo
- Monroe
- Platteville
- Tomah
- Portage
Counties served by 608
Dane County, Rock County, La Crosse County, Sauk County, Grant County, Green County, Columbia County, Iowa County, Monroe County and Vernon County.
608 overlay codes and dialing
The 608 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 353, 608. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 608. 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 608 area code
608 went into service on January 1, 1955. It serves Madison and the surrounding part of Wisconsin, and today shares its territory with overlay code 353. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 608 a scam or spam risk?
608 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 608 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Madison, WI or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Wisconsin area codes
Explore more
See every code in Wisconsin, compare codes across the Midwest region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 6XX 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
608 area code FAQ
Where is the 608 area code?
The 608 area code is in Wisconsin, covering southwestern and south-central Wisconsin, including Madison, La Crosse and Janesville, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 608 area code?
Cities in the 608 area code include Madison, Janesville, La Crosse, Beloit, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Stoughton and Baraboo.
What time zone is 608 in?
608 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 608 area code?
608 shares its territory with 353. Both codes (353, 608) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 608 area code start?
608 went into service on January 1, 1955.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 608?
Yes. Because 608 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 608 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 608 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.