The 661 area code serves as a vital part of California’s expansive telecommunications network, covering a wide range of communities across the southern San Joaquin Valley and northern Los Angeles metropolitan area. Established in 1999, this area code plays a crucial role in managing the region’s growing demand for phone numbers, particularly in cities like Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Santa Clarita.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the 661 area code’s history, service area, and importance in California’s telecommunications landscape.
The History Behind the 661 Area Code
The 661 area code was born out of the need to alleviate the rapid increase in demand for phone numbers in California. Before 1999, the region was part of the 805 area code, which covered a large part of the central and southern coast of California. As the area began to grow, the 805 area code became overburdened, leading to the creation of 661 as a split from 805.
The split occurred on 13 February 1999, dividing the 805 area code into two distinct regions. The 661 area code took over the eastern part of the 805 region, which included cities like Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Santa Clarita, while the western part remained with the 805 area code. This adjustment allowed for more phone numbers to be distributed across the region, providing sufficient capacity for future growth.
Service Area of the 661 Area Code
The 661 area code spans across several counties in California, with Kern County, Los Angeles County, Santa Barbara County, and parts of Ventura County and Tulare County being the core areas it serves. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key regions within the 661 area code:
1. Kern County
Kern County is the largest region served by the 661 area code, encompassing cities like Bakersfield, Delano, and Tehachapi. The area code covers a variety of communities ranging from small rural towns to large urban centers. Major cities and towns in Kern County include:
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Bakersfield
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Arvin
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Delano
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Tehachapi
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Mojave
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Rosamond
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Wasco
Bakersfield, being the largest city in Kern County, is a central industrial hub in California, particularly known for oil production, agriculture, and transportation.
2. Los Angeles County
While it’s more commonly associated with Los Angeles itself, the 661 area code also covers a significant portion of northern Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley and the Antelope Valley. Key cities here include:
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Lancaster
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Palmdale
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Santa Clarita
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Valencia
The Santa Clarita Valley is a rapidly growing area, known for its suburban lifestyle, while the Antelope Valley includes some of the more rural communities in the north.
3. Santa Barbara County
Though a smaller portion of the 661 area code is found in Santa Barbara County, it still includes areas like Cuyama and New Cuyama, which are located in the county’s inland regions.
4. Tulare County
Parts of Tulare County, particularly Earlimart and Allensworth, fall under the 661 area code, serving as a rural gateway to the valley regions of California.
Why Is the 661 Area Code Important?
The 661 area code is crucial for several reasons:
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Accommodating Growth: The region it serves has witnessed rapid population and commercial growth over the past few decades. Cities like Bakersfield and Santa Clarita have expanded significantly, especially with new developments and businesses setting up in these areas. The 661 area code ensures there are enough phone numbers to meet these growing needs.
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Economic Significance: Many of the cities within the 661 service area are central to California’s agricultural, manufacturing, and transportation industries. For instance, Bakersfield is a farming hub, while Santa Clarita is a major center for entertainment and commerce. The 661 area code plays a vital role in facilitating communication for businesses in these fields.
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Telecommunications Infrastructure: As the 661 area code serves several regions, including parts of Los Angeles County, it remains an essential part of the state’s telecommunications infrastructure, linking suburban areas to the larger metropolitan centers.
Notable Cities and Communities in the 661 Area Code
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cities within the 661 area code that define its culture and economy:
Bakersfield
As the largest city in Kern County, Bakersfield is at the heart of the 661 area code. It is one of California’s fastest-growing cities, known for its significant contributions to the oil, agriculture, and entertainment industries. Bakersfield serves as the economic hub for the surrounding rural areas, with major industries like oil extraction, agriculture, and transportation driving the local economy.
Lancaster and Palmdale
Located in the Antelope Valley, Lancaster and Palmdale are part of Los Angeles County and have experienced rapid growth in recent years. These cities are known for their affordable housing options compared to Los Angeles, attracting many people who work in the city but prefer suburban living. Palmdale is also home to aerospace industries, contributing to the region’s economic development.
Santa Clarita
Situated in the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Clarita is a significant city known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to Los Angeles. The city is home to the famous Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park, along with a strong entertainment and business community.
The Future of the 661 Area Code
The 661 area code continues to serve an essential role in California’s telecommunications network. Given the region’s ongoing growth, especially in Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and Bakersfield, it is likely that this area code will remain an essential part of the state’s infrastructure for years to come.
The 661 area code may be on the verge of experiencing an overlay, similar to other high-demand area codes in California. The public service commission is continuously monitoring the area’s growth to ensure that there will be enough phone numbers available for all residents and businesses.
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Conclusion
The 661 area code serves a vast and diverse region of California, covering cities like Bakersfield, Lancaster, Palmdale, and Santa Clarita. It has grown to be a vital part of the state’s telecommunications infrastructure, allowing businesses and residents to stay connected in an area experiencing rapid growth. As the population continues to grow, the 661 area code will likely remain an integral part of the area’s development for years to come.
By understanding its history, service areas, and economic significance, it’s clear that the 661 area code will continue to play a central role in California’s telecommunications future.
