256 area code

Get a local phone number in Huntsville, AL

Biggest city:

Huntsville

State:

Alabama

Major Cities:

Huntsville, Florence, Madison, Anniston, Elkmont, Etowah, Hartselle, Stevenson, Athens, Fort Payne, Addison, Alexander City, Cherokee, Talladega, Jacksonville, Albertville, Gadsden, Scottsboro, Decatur

Timezone:

Central (GMT -6)

Population:

220,854

Average Income:

$87,475

Zip codes:

35801

35899

Unemployment Rate:

2.00%

Nearby area codes:

205

334

Get a 256 phone number

📲 Get a 256 number: $7/mo

256 area code summary

Area code 256 serves northern Alabama, including cities such as Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, and Gadsden. Introduced in 1998 as a split from 205, it is now overlaid by area code 938. The region is one of the fastest-growing in the state, largely due to Huntsville’s booming aerospace, defense, and tech industries. Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville anchors the local economy with engineering, research, and innovation. Decatur and Florence support manufacturing, logistics, and higher education through institutions like the University of North Alabama. The area also boasts natural attractions like the Tennessee River and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With its mix of high-tech growth, affordable living, and outdoor recreation, the 256 area code is ideal for professionals, small business owners, and startups. Whether you're building software, managing real estate, or supporting government contracts, a 256 number ties you to one of Alabama’s most forward-looking regions.

Fun fact 💡

Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center has the world’s largest Saturn V replica.

🏢First Phone Company:

BellSouth (later AT&T)

📲 Get a 256 number: $7/mo