662 Area Code: Full Guide to Location, History, Cities

The 662 area code is one of the most widely recognized telephone area codes in the United States, especially in the southeastern region. It serves a large section of northern Mississippi, covering major cities, small towns, rural communities, and several cultural and economic hubs. Whether you are receiving calls from the 662 area code, planning to move to the region, running a business that interacts with clients there, or simply researching American telecommunications systems, understanding the details behind the 662 area code is extremely helpful.

This comprehensive guide explains everything about the 662 area code—its history, location, coverage areas, time zone, scams, importance, and how it affects communication today.

What Is the 662 Area Code?

The 662 area code is a telephone area code assigned to northern Mississippi. It covers a wide geographical region that includes residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, universities, and cultural attractions.

Purpose of Area Code 662

The area code was created to serve:

Growing population demands
Increasing number of phone lines
Expansion of mobile networks
Localized telecommunication needs

The 662 area code plays an essential role in keeping Mississippi’s communication network efficient and organized.

Why the 662 Area Code Was Introduced

Originally, the entire Mississippi region was served by the 601 area code. As technology advanced and more phone users appeared, demand increased drastically. The 662 area code was introduced to reduce overcrowding on the 601 network and to support new telephone connections across the region.

History of the 662 Area Code

The 662 area code was officially created on September 20, 1999, after splitting from the 601 area code. This split was necessary due to increased demand for telephone numbers caused by:

Growing population
Widespread adoption of mobile phones
Business expansion
Digital devices requiring individual numbers

Evolution Since 1999

Since its introduction, the 662 area code has become an essential part of Mississippi’s identity. It is used by countless residents, businesses, universities, and public institutions throughout the northern part of the state.

Modern Communication Under Area Code 662

In 2025, the 662 area code supports:

Mobile numbers
Landlines
VoIP services
Business communication systems
Emergency and public service lines

It remains stable and is not currently expected to require overlay or splitting due to its adequate numbering capacity.

Where Is the 662 Area Code Located?

The 662 area code covers northern Mississippi, an area known for its rich culture, southern hospitality, strong education centers, and vibrant local communities.

Major Cities Served by Area Code 662

The following cities fall under the 662 area code:

Tupelo
Southaven
Olive Branch
Greenville
Horn Lake
Starkville
Columbus
Oxford
Clarksdale
Greenwood

Important Places Within the 662 Region

The region includes:

Mississippi State University (Starkville)
University of Mississippi (Oxford)
Elvis Presley Birthplace (Tupelo)
Historical Delta towns

These locations contribute significantly to Mississippi’s tourism, economy, and culture.

Counties Served by the 662 Area Code

The 662 area code stretches across multiple counties, including:

DeSoto County
Lowndes County
Oktibbeha County
Lee County
Lafayette County
Washington County
Bolivar County
Panola County
Coahoma County

Each county has diverse communities and plays a distinct role in northern Mississippi’s development.

Time Zone of the 662 Area Code

The 662 area code operates under the Central Time Zone (CT).
This applies to:

CST (Central Standard Time)
CDT (Central Daylight Time) during daylight savings

Why Time Zone Matters

Time zone awareness helps when:

Scheduling calls
Managing business communication
Coordinating appointments or customer service times

Businesses working nationally or globally must keep CT hours in mind when contacting 662-area clients.

Who Uses the 662 Area Code?

The area code serves a wide range of users across northern Mississippi.

1. Residents

Most local homes and mobile users use the 662 area code for personal communication.

2. Businesses

Local companies, small enterprises, and corporate branches use 662 for:

Customer support
Sales
Regional office lines
Service centers

3. Educational Institutions

Universities and colleges, including Mississippi State and Ole Miss, operate with numbers under the 662 area code.

4. Government & Public Services

Emergency services, police departments, public offices, and healthcare providers also rely on this area code.

Common Reasons You Might Receive a 662 Call

Many people around the world receive calls from a 662 number and wonder where it comes from. These calls are often from:

Businesses located in northern Mississippi
Schools or universities
Medical offices
Delivery services
Friends or relatives
Verification or appointment systems

Is a 662 Call Always Legitimate?

Not always. While most calls are genuine, some may be spam or scam attempts. It is important to verify the source before sharing personal information.

662 Area Code Scams

Scammers sometimes use area codes like 662 to appear local or trustworthy. Understanding the common scams helps you stay protected.

Common Scam Types

1. Robocalls

Automated messages pretending to be from banks, agencies, or insurance providers.

2. Phishing Calls

Scammers request personal information like passwords, SSNs, or bank details.

3. Tech Support Scams

Fake agents claim your account has issues and request payment for “fixing” it.

4. Prize or Lottery Scams

You receive a call claiming you won something—even if you never entered.

How to Stay Safe

Never share personal details
Block suspicious numbers
Use caller ID apps
Report scam attempts
Hang up immediately

Businesses That Operate Under 662 Area Code

Many industries thrive in northern Mississippi, and several businesses rely on the 662 area code for communication.

Major Industries in the 662 Region

Retail and consumer goods
Health care and medical services
Higher education
Agriculture and farming
Transportation and logistics
Local restaurants and hospitality
Small business services

Economic Importance

These businesses help support local employment, growth, and regional stability.

Pros of Living or Doing Business in the 662 Area

People enjoy several benefits from living or working in the 662 region.

Affordable Living

Northern Mississippi offers low living costs compared to many other states.

Friendly Communities

The 662 area is known for southern hospitality and welcoming neighborhoods.

Good Education Centers

Mississippi State and Ole Miss contribute to strong educational opportunities.

Cultural Richness

Music, food, festivals, and historical landmarks make the region vibrant and memorable.

How the 662 Area Code Impacts Local Identity

Area codes often become symbols of regional pride, and 662 is no exception.

Cultural Recognition

Singers, artists, and public figures from the area often highlight the 662 code as part of their hometown identity.

Community Bonding

Residents use 662 as a badge of belonging—whether on merchandise, social media, or local branding.

How to Get a 662 Phone Number

If you want a 662 number for personal or business purposes, you can obtain one through:

Mobile carriers
Landline providers
VoIP services
Virtual phone number platforms

Why Businesses Choose a 662 Number

A local area code increases trust among regional customers. It also improves marketing effectiveness for companies targeting northern Mississippi.

Future Outlook for the 662 Area Code

The 662 area code is expected to remain stable due to adequate numbering supply. As population growth continues, northern Mississippi may see economic expansion, but the area code will likely stay unchanged for years.

Technological Advancements

With the rise of:

VoIP
5G
Smart communication systems
the 662 area code will increasingly support more advanced telecom services.

FAQ’s About the 662 Area Code

Is the 662 area code still active?

Yes, it is fully active and widely used.

Does 662 cover the entire state of Mississippi?

No, it covers only the northern region. Other areas use codes like 601, 769, and 228.

Do I need a Mississippi address to get a 662 number?

Not necessarily. Virtual phone services allow number selection from anywhere.

Is calling a 662 number expensive?

Most mobile plans treat it as a regular domestic call within the U.S.

Final Thoughts

The 662 area code plays a crucial role in Mississippi’s communication network. It connects people, supports businesses, and represents the identity of northern Mississippi. Whether you’re receiving a call from this area, moving to the region, or simply researching, understanding its history, location, features, and significance helps you communicate more confidently. With a strong cultural presence and stable functionality, the 662 area code remains an important part of the state’s digital and social identity.