Where is Area Code 975?
Area code 975 is located in the state of Missouri and specifically serves the Kansas City metropolitan area along with its surrounding communities:
- Independence
- Lee's Summit
- St. Joseph
- Blue Springs
- Raytown
- Liberty
- Gladstone
- Grandview
- Belton
- Raymore
Area code 975 is an overlay for the existing 816 area code, meaning it covers exactly the same geographic area as 816. The Missouri Public Service Commission, located at 200 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, manages area code administration, consumer protections, and service oversight in this region.
What time zone is 975 area code in the USA?
The region served by area code 975 operates within the Central Time Zone (CT).
- Central Standard Time (CST): Observed from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March.
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): Observed during the rest of the year for Daylight Saving Time.
For more information about time zones and Daylight Saving Time regulations in the United States, visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
History of the 975 Area Code
The story of area code 975 is rooted in the consistently growing demand for new telephone numbers in the Kansas City metropolitan region. Originally, Kansas City and its surrounding areas were served exclusively by area code 816 (established in 1947), which covered western Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Joseph, and smaller neighboring towns.
As cellular phones, VoIP services, and business expansions soared, it became clear that 816 alone would no longer suffice for new number assignments. Instead of splitting the geographic coverage, the overlay approach was chosen, introducing the 975 area code while maintaining the existing boundaries and enabling customers to keep their current numbers. As a result:
- Ten-digit dialing is now mandatory, requiring callers to dial the area code followed by the local seven-digit number for all local calls.
- Both new and existing residents or businesses may be assigned either 816 or 975 numbers moving forward.
Area code changes and overlays are overseen and coordinated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) in cooperation with state and federal regulators.
How Many People Use the 975 Area Code?
Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and the anchor for a metropolitan area of over 2 million people. Both area codes 816 and 975 are now in use across this population, including an expanding roster of mobile phones, business lines, and residential connections. As 816 numbers become increasingly scarce, new customers or those adding additional lines are more likely to receive numbers beginning with the 975 area code.
Population data and telecommunication usage trends are periodically updated by agencies such as the U.S. Census Bureau, ensuring that government officials and service providers have access to accurate figures.
Is the 975 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 975 is not a toll-free area code.
It is a standard geographic code assigned to the Kansas City, Missouri area, which means that normal local and long-distance rates may apply, depending on your calling plan and service provider. In the United States, toll-free numbers are assigned area codes that begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, and are typically used by businesses or organizations who pay for callers to reach them at no cost to the consumer.
For any concerns regarding your phone bill or rates—or for information about toll-free numbers—you can:
- For more details on the rules on toll-free communications, consult the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
- For more details on fee structures and regulations, individuals can contact the website of the Missouri Public Service Commission.