The 535 area code serves the southwestern and south-central regions of Wisconsin, including the state capital, Madison, and other major cities like La Crosse and Janesville. It operates as an overlay for the original 608 area code, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 535 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the communities it covers, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this part of Wisconsin.
Where is the 535 Area Code Located?
The 535 area code is located in Wisconsin, covering a large portion of the state’s southwestern and south-central landscape. It was introduced to provide new phone numbers for the area originally covered solely by the 608 area code.
- State: Wisconsin
- Major Cities: Madison, La Crosse, Janesville, Beloit
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (observing Central Standard Time, CST, and Central Daylight Time, CDT).
The introduction of 535 did not change any existing phone numbers; it simply added a new source of numbers for new customers and lines within the same boundaries as the 608 area code.
What Cities and Counties Use the 535 Area Code?
The 535 area code, along with 608, covers a diverse mix of university towns, agricultural communities, and urban centers. A phone number with this area code is located in or around one of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 535:
- Madison (the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin)
- La Crosse
- Janesville
- Beloit
- Sun Prairie
- Fitchburg
- Monroe
- Platteville
Primary Counties Served:
The area code covers all or parts of Dane, Rock, La Crosse, Grant, Sauk, Green, Iowa, Richland, and Vernon counties, among others.
History of the 535 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 608 area code is one of Wisconsin’s original area codes, established in 1947. For decades, it served the entire southern part of the state outside of the Milwaukee area. Due to the steady growth in population and demand for new phone numbers, particularly around the Madison metro area, the supply of available 608 numbers began to run out.
To address this without a disruptive geographic split, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved an overlay plan. The new 535 area code was officially put into service on September 15, 2023.
The Requirement for 10-Digit Dialing
A key result of this overlay plan is that mandatory 10-digit dialing is in effect. Because two different area codes exist in the same location, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. This applies whether you are calling a 535 number or a 608 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 535 and 608?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties in Wisconsin. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 535 numbers were issued to new customers starting in late 2023.
If I have a 608 number, will it change to 535?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have a 608 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 535?
The 535 area code is in the Central Time Zone. It observes Central Standard Time (UTC-6) and Central Daylight Time (UTC-5) during the summer months.
Is the 535 area code a scam?
No, 535 is a legitimate and official area code for southwestern and south-central Wisconsin. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 535 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 535 area code is an overlay that serves the same region as the 608 area code in Wisconsin, covering a diverse territory that includes the state capital, Madison. The presence of both area codes makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls and ensures a continued supply of phone numbers for this growing part of the state.
