Area code 765 serves central Indiana outside the Indianapolis metro area, covering cities such as Lafayette, Muncie, Kokomo, and Richmond. Created in 1997 from a split with area code 317, it spans a region with a mix of college towns, agricultural communities, and manufacturing centers. Purdue University in West Lafayette and Ball State University in Muncie contribute to the area's educational prominence. The region also has deep roots in the auto and steel industries. Seven-digit dialing is still permitted for local calls. Area code 765 is closely tied to Indiana’s heartland, representing both tradition and innovation across a diverse central corridor.