253 area code — Tacoma, WA geographic
- State
- Washington
- Major area
- Tacoma
- Time zone
- Pacific
- In service since
- 1997-04-27
- Split from
- 206
- Active prefixes
- 507
- Rate centers
- 10
- Carriers
- 27
- Projected exhaust
- 2Q 2056
If a call shows area code 253, the number was issued in the Tacoma area — a code active since 1997, on Pacific time. Keep in mind the code identifies where the number was registered; the person calling may be elsewhere.
The code currently holds 507 working prefixes, held by 27 different carriers. Of these, 304 are pooled prefixes shared by multiple carriers. Numbers are anchored to 10 rate centers — billing localities that fix where each prefix belongs.
The current NANPA exhaust forecast is 2Q 2056.
The code was carved out of 206 (1997).
Local calls inside 253 are dialed 10D; 1+10-digit dialing permissible at service provider discretion.
If a 253 call asks for money or personal data, treat the displayed number as unverified: hang up and reach the organization through its published number. Numbering data locates numbers, not callers.
Largest localities in 253
| Locality (rate center) | Active prefixes | Also served by |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | 228 | — |
| Auburn | 82 | — |
| Tacoma-waverly | 50 | — |
| Kent | 44 | — |
| Puyallup | 27 | — |
| Des Moines | 23 | 206 |
| Gig Harbor | 20 | — |
| Sumner | 15 | — |
| Graham | 13 | — |
| Roy | 5 | — |
FAQ
Why am I getting spam calls from 253 numbers?
Scammers spoof recognizable area codes so calls look local or familiar. A displayed 253 number does not prove the call originated there — see our guide to spotting spoofed calls.
Where is a 253 number from?
253 is assigned to Tacoma and surrounding areas of Washington in the Pacific time zone. The three digits after the area code (the prefix) narrow it down to a rate center.
Is 253 a toll-free number?
No. 253 is a geographic code; calls are billed like any other domestic call. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.