Area Code 406
Where Is Area Code 406?
Updated: March 28th 2024
Area code 406 is the area code for the entire state of Montana. Area code 406 was put into place on January 1, 1947. Area code 406 is located in the Mountain Time Zone and covers 56 counties of Montana.
Billings is the largest city in Montana and is the county seat of Yellowstone County. Going back in history, Billings was founded in 1882 and was named after Frederick H. Billings, a former president of the Northern Pacific Railway. Billings experienced rapid growth because it was founded as a railroad town. During the early 20th century, the discovery of oil fields and large natural gas and coal reserves led Billings to become an energy center. In the 1970s and 1980s, Billings experienced major growth in its downtown core. During the same time period, new shopping districts and shopping centers were constructed. In the 21st century, operation centers were constructed and there was renewed growth in the downtown core. Despite the recession, Billings’ economy has been strong.
Billings has a population of 104,170 and the racial makeup of the city is 89.6% White, 5.2% Hispanic, 4.4% Native American, and 0.8% African American (2010 Census). Unfortunately Billings is among the top ten most dangerous cities in Montana.
Billings is located in the south-central portion of Montana. Billings is divided by the Rimrocks while the Yellowstone River runs throughout the southeast portion of the city. Seven mountain ranges are located in or around Billings. Billings has a semi-arid climate, meaning dry, very warm summers and cold, dry winters. When it comes to the economy, Billings is a major trade and distribution center with numerous regional headquarters and corporate headquarters located in the city. With Montana having no sales tax, the city is a retail destination for Montana and neighboring states. With so many things to do and see, there is never a dull moment in Billings. Museums in the city include the Moss Mansion, the Yellowstone Art Museum, the Western Heritage Center, and the Yellowstone County Museum. Nature and parks in the city include the Rimrocks, Pictograph Cave State Park, Riverfront Park, Lake Elmo State Park, and Pioneer Park. Recreational activities in the city include rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, and hiking. Annual events in the city include the MSU Billings Foundation Wine & Food Festival, the Magic City Blues Festival, the Christmas Stroll in Downtown Billings, and the Montana Fair. With eight microbreweries in Billings, Billings has more breweries than any other city in Montana.
Missoula is the second largest city in Montana and is the county seat of Missoula County. Missoula sits at the convergence of five mountain ranges, which has led Missoula to be the “hub of five valleys.” Missoula has a cool-summer humid continental climate. Missoula has a population of 66,788 and the racial makeup of the city is 92.1% White, 2.9% Hispanic, 2.8% Native American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.5% African American (2010 Census). Like Billings, Missoula is among the top ten most dangerous cities in Montana. The University of Montana is located in Missoula and is the city’s largest employer. When it comes to sports, the Montana Grizzlies’ football and basketball teams of the University of Montana are the stars of Missoula. Points of interest in the city include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Fort Missoula Museum, the Missoula Art Museum, the Montana Natural History Center, the Missoula Farmer’s Market, Caras Park, Splash Montana, A Carousel for Missoula, and Garnet Ghost Town. The two most popular recreational activities in Missoula are white water rafting and fly-fishing.
Major Cities In Area Code 406
Great Falls is the third largest city in Montana and is the county seat of Cascade County. Great Falls’ location near several waterfalls on the Missouri River is what led to its name. Great Falls has a cold semi-arid climate. Great Falls has a population of 58,505 and the racial makeup of the city is 88.5% White, 5.0% Native American, 3.4% Hispanic, and 1.1% African American (2010 Census). Unfortunately Great Falls is considered a dangerous city. Points of interest in the city include the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the C.M. Russell Museum, the Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum, the Children’s Museum of Montana, Giant Springs State Park, and Gibson Park.
