California · Pacific Time
661 Area Code
Area code 661 is in California, serving Kern County and the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys of northern Los Angeles County. It is in the Pacific Time zone.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 661 area code?
661 is a California area code covering Kern County and the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys of northern Los Angeles County. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 661 area code
- Bakersfield
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Santa Clarita
- Delano
- Tehachapi
- Wasco
- Shafter
- Arvin
- Taft
- McFarland
Counties served by 661
Kern County and Los Angeles County.
Dialing 661
Bakersfield, CA is currently served by the single area code 661, with no overlay. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
From outside the US, dial +1 661 followed by the seven-digit number.
History of the 661 area code
661 went into service on February 13, 1999, created when it was split from 805. It serves Bakersfield and the surrounding part of California. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 661 a scam or spam risk?
661 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 661 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Bakersfield, CA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other California area codes
Explore more
See every code in California, compare codes across the West region, or view all Pacific 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
661 area code FAQ
Where is the 661 area code?
The 661 area code is in California, covering Kern County and the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys of northern Los Angeles County, in the West region.
What cities are in the 661 area code?
Cities in the 661 area code include Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Delano, Tehachapi, Wasco, Shafter, Arvin and Taft.
What time zone is 661 in?
661 is in the Pacific Time zone.
When did the 661 area code start?
661 went into service on February 13, 1999.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 661?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 661 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 661 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.