Area code 515 serves central Iowa, including the state capital Des Moines, Ames, and Boone. Established in 1947, it was one of the original area codes and covered a much larger region until it was split by area code 641 in 2000. The area includes government institutions, major insurance companies, and universities like Iowa State. Seven-digit dialing is still used in many areas. Area code 515 is a key part of Iowa’s civic and economic center, representing steady growth, agricultural roots, and the evolving identity of urban and suburban Iowa.