The 651 area code serves Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the eastern suburbs of the Twin Cities metro areas, including Eagan, Woodbury, Maplewood, and Hastings. It was created in 1998 when area code 612 was split. The area code operates in the Central Time Zone.
What Is the 651 Area Code?
Area code 651 is a telephone areas codes in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that covers Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the eastern suburbs of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul (Twin Cities) region. The numbering plan area also extends southeast along the Mississippi River to Hastings, Minnesota.
Where Is the 651 Area Code Located?
The location of area code 651 covers Saint Paul and the eastern half of the Twin Cities metro, spanning roughly six to ten counties depending on the source, including:
Major cities and communities served by include
| City | Notable Fact |
|---|---|
| Saint Paul | Minnesota’s state capital and the area code’s primary hub |
| Eagan | Once known as the “Onion Capital of the United States” |
| Woodbury | One of the fastest-growing eastern suburbs |
| Maplewood | Home to major retail and healthcare employers |
| Cottage Grove | Mississippi River community southeast of Saint Paul |
| Inver Grove Heights | Suburb along the Mississippi River |
| Hastings | The southeastern edge of the 651 coverage area |
History: Why Does the Area Code Exist?
651 phone code entered service on July 12, 1998, making it the fifth areas codes created in Minnesota. It was carved out of the original area code 612, which had covered all of central Minnesota from the Wisconsin border to the South Dakota border since 1954.
How to Dial a Number
Area Code Time Zone
The area code 651 location operates in the Central Time Zone (CT), observing both Central Standard Time (CST, UTC−6) and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−5) during daylight saving periods, the same as the rest of Minnesota.
Is the Area Code Safe? Spotting Scam Calls
A phone area 651 does not automatically mean a call is a scam. However, it shows that the number was originally assigned to the Saint Paul area. In addition, scammers often spoof local area codes like 651. As a result, their calls may appear more trustworthy to Minnesota residents.
Other Minnesota Area Codes
Minnesota now has multiple area codes in service. Alongside 651, these include:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
The 651 area code location is more than just a set of digits; it’s a direct line to Minnesota’s eastern Twin Cities, anchored by Saint Paul and stretching through suburbs like Eagan, Woodbury, Maplewood, and Hastings. Born out of the 1998 split from area code 612, it exists today because rapid growth in phone and cell numbers demanded more room on the network.
