Frequently Asked Questions
Ballwin, Missouri, is in area code 636. This area code covers a significant portion of the western suburbs of St. Louis, including Ballwin, which is known for its high quality of life and active real estate market.
To call a 636 number from a different area code, dial 1 followed by the 10-digit number (1-636-XXX-XXXX). This applies whether you're calling from within Missouri or another state.
Area code 636 primarily covers St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in Missouri. Key cities and towns within 636 include Ballwin, Chesterfield, O'Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peters, Washington, Wentzville, and Lake St. Louis.
Area code 636 was created in 1999 as a split from area code 314 due to the rapid growth of the St. Louis metropolitan area. This split was necessary to accommodate the increasing demand for telephone numbers and ensure efficient service.
Area code 636 was introduced to alleviate the strain on the existing numbering resources within area code 314, which was originally assigned to the entire St. Louis region. The growth of the area necessitated a new area code to handle the increasing demand for phone numbers.
Area code 636 primarily covers St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County in Missouri. It also includes smaller sections of St. Louis County, Montgomery County, and Lincoln County.
For local calls within area code 636, simply dial the 7-digit phone number (XXX-XXXX). Currently, 636 is the only area code in Missouri that hasn't transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls.
Telecommunications services in area code 636 are regulated by both the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These agencies ensure fair practices, number allocation, and consumer protection.
Area code 636 offers a wide range of telecommunication services, including landline and mobile phone service, internet access (broadband and fiber optic), and specialized business solutions. Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile serve the area.
Ballwin consistently ranks highly in quality of life surveys and has been recognized nationally as a desirable place to live. It offers excellent schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. Additionally, Ballwin has a unique tax advantage: the city itself doesn't levy a real estate tax.
Area code 636 is located in east-central Missouri, primarily encompassing St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County. It forms a ring around the city of St. Louis, covering much of its western suburbs.
Area Code 636: Missouri Location, Cities, and Dialing Guide
Area code 636 serves Missouri's east-central region, covering St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas in the St. Louis metropolitan suburbs. Established in 1999, the 636 area code encompasses major cities including O'Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peters, Wentzville, and Ballwin. This comprehensive guide explains where area code 636 is located, which Missouri cities it covers, 10-digit dialing requirements, time zone information, and how to get a 636 phone number for your business.
Where Is Area Code 636 Located? Geographic Coverage Map
The 636 area code location covers the east-central part of Missouri, serving 8 counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area. According to 2025 demographic data, area code 636 serves approximately 1.17 million residents across a diverse mix of urban centers and suburban communities. Located in the Central Time Zone (GMT-6), this area code covers the western and southwestern suburbs of St. Louis, creating a ring around the city itself.
Complete Coverage:
Partial Coverage:
The area code covers the western and southwestern suburbs of St. Louis, bounded by area code 314/557 to the east (St. Louis city and close-in suburbs) and area code 573 to the west and south. As of January 2025, the area code is not in jeopardy and has no current relief planning underway, according to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.
What Cities Are in Area Code 636? Complete City List
What cities use the 636 area code? Area code 636 serves over 1.17 million residents across several prominent Missouri cities and towns, with a median household income of $88,957 and per capita income of $43,334. The region features a well-educated workforce with strong employment in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and professional services.
Major Cities (Source: Wikipedia):
The region features excellent school districts (including Parkway and Rockwood), low crime rates, and a thriving mix of locally owned businesses and major employers including healthcare systems, manufacturing facilities, and retail centers.
How to Dial 636 Area Code: Calling Requirements and Time Zone
Area code 636 time zone: All 636 numbers operate in the Central Time Zone (CT), observing Central Standard Time (CST) in winter and Central Daylight Time (CDT) in summer. Follow these dialing procedures for seamless communication:
Special Service Numbers:
International Calling: To call 636 from outside the U.S., dial your country's international access code + 1 (U.S. country code) + 636 + 7-digit number.
Important Note: If you dial incorrectly (such as only 7 digits for a local call), you'll hear a recorded message instructing you to hang up and redial using 10 digits.
Area Code 636 History: When Was 636 Created?
Originally, the area now covered by 636 was part of area code 314, one of the original North American area codes established in 1947. Rapid growth in the St. Louis metropolitan area and increasing demand for telephone numbers (driven by cell phones, fax machines, and pagers) led to the creation of area code 636 on May 22, 1999 through a geographic split from 314, with the permissive dialing period ending on February 26, 2000. This split alleviated strain on existing numbering resources and ensured continued efficient service.
The split reduced area code 314 to serve only the core St. Louis city and close-in suburbs, while assigning the outer suburbs and surrounding counties to the new 636 area code.
Important Clarification on Area Code 557: The 557 area code launched on August 12, 2022 as an overlay for area code 314 only (not 636). According to the Missouri Public Service Commission, the 557 overlay serves the same geographic area as 314 (St. Louis city and close-in suburbs). Both 314 and 557 area codes coexist in the same region, requiring 10-digit dialing for all calls. Area code 636 does not have an overlay at this time.
Get a 636 Phone Number: Available Telecommunications Services
How to get a 636 area code phone number: Businesses and residents can obtain 636 phone numbers through various telecommunications providers. Area code 636 supports a comprehensive range of modern telecommunications services for residential and business customers:
Service Types:
Major Carriers Serving Area Code 636:
Pricing and service availability vary by specific location within the 636 area code. Business customers can access specialized telecommunications solutions including cloud-based phone systems, SIP trunking, and hosted PBX services from regional providers.
Is Area Code 636 a Scam? Regulatory Oversight and Consumer Protection
Area code 636 spam concerns: While 636 is a legitimate Missouri area code, scammers sometimes spoof local numbers. The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulate area codes and telecommunications services in Missouri. This dual oversight ensures fair practices in number allocation, service provision, and consumer protection.
Consumer Rights and Protections:
How to File a Complaint:
If you have unresolved issues with your telecommunications provider:
Contact Your Provider First: Attempt to resolve the issue directly with your carrier
Missouri PSC Consumer Services: If unresolved, file an informal complaint:
Formal Complaint: If informal resolution fails, file a formal complaint, which can result in a hearing
Note: The Missouri PSC does not regulate cell phones, internet providers, cable television, or municipally-owned utilities. For issues with these services, contact the FCC Consumer Complaints or the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-392-8222.
Find additional regulatory information in Missouri Revised Statutes section 392.611, which covers telecommunications companies' obligations regarding universal service funds, number pooling, and emergency services.
Is Area Code 636 in a Rural Area? Featured Community: Ballwin
Is area code 636 rural or urban? From the historic streets of St. Charles to the suburban neighborhoods of O'Fallon and Wentzville, the 636 area code encompasses bustling urban centers, picturesque rural landscapes, and everything in between. Ballwin, a prominent suburban city within area code 636, consistently ranks highly in quality-of-life surveys and earned recognition as one of the "100 Best Places to Live" by Money Magazine. The city features a strong sense of community, excellent schools (served by the Parkway and Rockwood school districts), diverse recreational opportunities, and low crime rates, making it a desirable place to live and work.
Property Taxes: While the city of Ballwin itself does not levy a separate municipal real estate tax, residents pay property taxes through St. Louis County and school districts. As of 2025, Ballwin has a median effective property tax rate of 1.25%, with a median annual property tax bill of $4,130. This rate is higher than the national median (1.02%) but comparable to Missouri's state median.
Note: Ballwin receives special mention in this guide due to its prominence in quality-of-life rankings and as a representative example of the high-quality suburban communities throughout the 636 area code.
Conclusion: Everything You Need to Know About Area Code 636
Area code 636 connects individuals and businesses in a dynamic and growing Missouri region serving over 1.17 million residents. Understanding this area code's coverage, services, and history provides valuable context for residents, business owners, and anyone researching telecommunications options.
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Use this knowledge to make informed decisions about your communication needs and navigate the modern telecommunications infrastructure in the St. Louis metropolitan area.