The 231 area code serves a scenic and diverse part of Michigan. From Lake Michigan beach towns to inland forests and college communities, it covers much of the state’s northwestern Lower Peninsula. If you’ve seen a 231 number pop up on your phone, are planning a move, or want a local number for your business, this guide explains where the 231 area code is, which cities use it, its time zone, history, and what to know about dialing and using numbers in this region.
Where the 231 area code is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
The 231 area code spans the northwestern portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It runs along the Lake Michigan shoreline from the Muskegon area north toward the tip of the “mitten,” then stretches inland to cover forested counties, small cities, and year-round recreation hubs. The region is known for sandy beaches, inland lakes, cherry orchards, and four-season outdoor activities.
- Where the 231 area code is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
- Cities and communities in the 231 area code
- Eastern time zone details and calling basics for 231
- Creation and timeline history of Michigan’s 231 area code
- Economy and lifestyle across the 231 region
- 231 area code for businesses and residents
- Common questions and answers about the 231 area code
- Is 231 a toll-free area code?
- What time zone is the 231 area code in?
- Will the 231 area code get an overlay?
- How can I avoid 231 area code phone scams?
- Quick facts and essential details about the 231 area code
Geographically, 231 includes communities in and around Muskegon on the southern end; Ludington and Manistee along the central lakeshore; and well-known northern destinations like Traverse City, Charlevoix, Boyne Country, and Petoskey further up the coast. Inland, it reaches towns such as Big Rapids, Reed City, and Cadillac. This spread makes 231 a mix of small city, college town, resort area, and rural countryside.
While nearby area codes include 616 to the south and 989 to the east, 231 remains the primary code for the northwest Lower Peninsula. It does not extend into the Upper Peninsula and does not include larger metro areas like Grand Rapids or Detroit.
Cities and communities in the 231 area code
The 231 area code includes many well-known destinations and workaday communities. Here are some of the notable cities and towns you may encounter within 231:
- Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton Shores
- Whitehall and Montague
- Fremont and Newaygo
- Hart and Shelby
- Ludington and Scottville
- Manistee
- Frankfort and Benzonia
- Suttons Bay, Leland, and Northport
- Traverse City and Interlochen
- Kalkaska
- Bellaire and Elk Rapids
- Charlevoix, Boyne City, and Boyne Falls
- Petoskey and Harbor Springs
- Cadillac
- Big Rapids (home to Ferris State University)
- Reed City and Evart
This is not a complete list, but it shows the mix of coastal towns, inland county seats, and recreation hubs that call the 231 area code home.
Eastern time zone details and calling basics for 231
The entire 231 area code lies in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). Communities observe Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the fall and winter and switch to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the spring and summer as part of daylight saving time.
Because 231 is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), dialing is familiar to anyone in the United States and Canada. Local dialing rules can vary by carrier and exchange, but when in doubt, use 10 or 11 digits for the best result. From outside the region, you’ll add the country code before the area code and local number.
- Within the U.S. and Canada: Dial 1 + 231 + seven-digit number
- From outside the U.S./Canada: Exit code + 1 + 231 + seven-digit number
- Local calls within 231: Your carrier may allow seven-digit dialing within the same exchange, but 10-digit dialing is a safe default
Creation and timeline history of Michigan’s 231 area code
The 231 area code was created in 1999 as a split from 616. Rapid growth in West Michigan, mobile phone adoption, and the rise of dial-up internet lines in the 1990s put pressure on numbering resources. Splitting the region allowed both 616 and the new 231 code to support more lines without immediate overlays.
Since then, 231 has remained the sole area code for its territory. Unlike some parts of Michigan, it does not have an overlay area code, so 231 continues to be the single identifier for this part of the state. Many residents and businesses associate 231 with the region’s identity along the Lake Michigan coast and the northern Lower Peninsula.
Economy and lifestyle across the 231 region
Tourism is a major driver in the 231 area code, with Lake Michigan beaches, lighthouses, and state parks attracting visitors. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near the Leelanau and Benzie county line, is a standout destination known for its sweeping views and trails. Farther north, resort towns offer boating, skiing, and biking, while inland forests provide hunting, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture also anchor the economy. Muskegon has a legacy of manufacturing and port activity. Inland, you’ll find farms, orchards, and vineyards, especially around Grand Traverse and Leelanau. Colleges and universities, including Ferris State University in Big Rapids, add year-round employment and cultural events. This mix of industries gives the 231 area code a balanced, four-season economy.
231 area code for businesses and residents
Choosing a 231 number can help businesses appear local to customers along Michigan’s northwest coast and inland communities. For residents, keeping a 231 number preserves ties to family, schools, and services in the region. Both mobile and VoIP providers offer 231 numbers, and many business phone systems let you add 231 lines for sales, support, or remote staff based in the area.
- Build local trust with a familiar area code
- Route calls to regional teams or seasonal staff
- Set up separate numbers for marketing campaigns in 231
- Port existing 231 numbers between carriers in most cases
- Use 231 for virtual presence while operating elsewhere
Common questions and answers about the 231 area code
Is 231 a toll-free area code?
No. The 231 area code is not toll-free. Toll-free area codes in the U.S. and Canada include 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888. Calls to 231 are treated like standard geographic calls to Michigan’s northwest Lower Peninsula.
What time zone is the 231 area code in?
231 is in the Eastern Time Zone and observes daylight saving time. Clocks spring forward in March and fall back in November along with most of Michigan.
Will the 231 area code get an overlay?
There is no overlay on 231 at this time. If demand grows and numbering resources tighten in the future, a split or overlay could be considered by numbering authorities. For now, 231 remains the sole area code for its region.
How can I avoid 231 area code phone scams?
Scams can use any area code. Treat unexpected calls or texts carefully, especially if they request personal information or payment. Avoid calling back one-ring calls from unknown numbers, let suspicious calls go to voicemail, and block repeat offenders. If a call claims to be from a local business or agency, hang up and contact the organization using a number you trust, such as one printed on a bill or listed in your records.
Quick facts and essential details about the 231 area code
- Region: Northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan
- Major cities: Muskegon, Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Cadillac, Big Rapids
- Time zone: Eastern (observes DST)
- Established: 1999 (split from 616)
- Overlay: None (231 is the sole area code for its territory)
- Not toll-free: Standard geographic area code
The 231 area code ties together Michigan’s northwest Lower Peninsula—beaches, harbors, forests, college towns, and friendly small cities. Whether you live in the region, do business there, or plan to visit, knowing how 231 is used, where it reaches, and how to dial it will help you connect with people and opportunities across this distinctive corner of the Great Lakes state.