The 662 area code serves northern Mississippi, including Southaven, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Oxford, Greenville, Cleveland, and Clarksdale. Authorities created it in 1999 when the original 601 area code split. Because 662 numbers were running low, Mississippi added a new overlay area code, 471, covering the same region starting in 2026. If you already have a 662 number, you can keep it without making any changes.
What Is the 662 Area Code?
The area code 662 is a telephone area code for the northern half of Mississippi. It covers six counties that are part of the Memphis metro area: Benton, Coahoma, DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tunica, plus the cities that host the state’s two largest universities: Oxford, home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”), and Starkville, home to Mississippi State University.
Where Is the 662 Area Code Located?
662 covers a broad swath of northern Mississippi rather than a single city. Major cities and towns using the 662 area code location include:
| Region | Notable Cities |
|---|---|
| DeSoto County / Memphis suburbs | Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, Horn Lake |
| North-central Mississippi | Oxford, Batesville, Senatobia |
| Northeast Mississippi | Tupelo, Corinth, Starkville, Columbus |
| Mississippi Delta | Greenville, Cleveland, Clarksdale, Greenwood |
| Golden Triangle | West Point, Starkville |
662 Area Code Time Zone
Northern Mississippi, and therefore the entire area 662, sits in the Central Time Zone (CT), UTC-6 standard time and UTC-5 during daylight saving time.
The New 471 Overlay: What Changed in 2026
In 2026, authorities converted the telephone area code 662 numbering plan area into an overlay complex by adding the new 471 area code. Here’s why, and what it means for you:
Bottom line: You do not need to change your number, update your contacts, or take any action. The overlay only affects how carriers issue new numbers going forward.
662 vs. Other Mississippi Area Codes
Mississippi has three numbering plan areas that cover five area codes in total:
| Area Code(s) | Region | Created |
|---|---|---|
| 601 / 769 | Most of southern Mississippi, including Jackson | 601 in 1947; 769 overlay added 2005 |
| 228 | Gulf Coast region | 1997 |
| 662 / 471 | Northern Mississippi | 662 in 1999; 471 overlay added 2026 |
So if you see a Mississippi number starting with 601 or 769, it’s from the Jackson area. A number starting with 228 is from the Gulf Coast. And 662 or 471 means northern Mississippi.
How to Dial a 662 (or 471) Number
Because the region now has two overlapping area codes, always dial all 10 digits:
Seven-digit local dialing without an area code no longer works reliably in the region since the overlay took effect.
Is 662 a Real Area Code, and Is It Safe to Answer?
Yes, 662 is a legitimate, active U.S. area code assigned by NANPA, not a scam code by itself. However, as with any area code, scammers can spoof 662 numbers to appear local and trustworthy to residents of northern Mississippi or people with contacts there. A call showing a 662 number doesn’t guarantee the caller is actually in Mississippi or is who they claim to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
The 662 area code has served northern Mississippi since 1999, connecting cities like Southaven, Tupelo, Oxford, Greenville, and Starkville under a single dialing code for over two decades. With the rollout of the 471 overlay in 2026, that era of a single area code is ending, but the transition is designed to be painless for existing customers. If you already have a 662 number, it’s yours for good; the only real change is that new lines in the region will carry the 471 code instead, and everyone in the area now needs to dial all 10 digits for local calls.
