406-XXX-XXX Phone Numbers

Area code 406 is in Montana, a state located in the northwestern region of the United States. Montana, also known as the Treasure State, represents the rugged beauty of the Wild West, with its picturesque landscape and majestic mountain ranges. With a population of just over 1 million people, Montana has one of the lowest populations in the country, which explains why the entire state shares a single area code.

Zip Codes and Cities within Area Code 406

Area code 406 covers all cities and towns in Montana, including the capital, Helena, the largest city, Billings, and other well-known cities such as Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Butte. Given that it covers the entire state, area code 406 is extensive and diverse regarding its geography and the communities it represents.

Some of the most populated zip codes within the 406 area code include 59102 in Billings, with a population of 47,418; 59801 in Missoula, with a population of 30,999; and 59715 in Bozeman, which is home to 27,509 residents. On the other end of the spectrum, area code 406 also covers smaller towns and rural communities, like the zip code 59225 in Flaxville, with just 36 residents.

History of Area Code 406

Montana's area code 406 was established as the state's first and only area code in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The NANP intended to simplify phone dialing and improve the efficiency of telephone call routing. At that time, the need for a single area code for Montana made sense, given the state's relatively small population and the fact that it was largely rural.

Although Montana has developed significantly since 1947, the demand for new phone numbers has not been significant enough to warrant a change in the original area code. Thanks to the state's sparse population, expansive geography, and close-knit communities, 406 has remained the sole area code for the Treasure State.

Population and Demographics

United States Census Bureau estimates Montana's population in 2019 was approximately 1,068,778. The majority of residents identify as White (89.2%), while smaller people identify as Native American (6.7%), Hispanic or Latino (4.0%), and African American (0.6%). The state's gender distribution is relatively equal, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

The relatively sparse population of Montana contributes to its lower demand for new phone numbers and the continuation of a single area code. Montana's population growth rate is relatively slow, with only a 3.6% increase since 2010.

Montana's area code 406 is a testament to the state's unique geographical and demographic features and its rich history and connection to the early days of telephone communication in the United States. With only a single area code to cover the entire state, residents have a unique sense of unity and identity that sets the Treasure State apart from its neighbors. Although Montana may eventually find itself facing the prospect of an additional area code due to population growth and technological advancements, 406 will forever remain ingrained in the culture and identity of Montana.