Area code 254 covers central Texas, including cities such as Waco, Killeen, Temple, and Copperas Cove. It was created in 1997 from a split of area code 817 to better serve the growing population between the Dallas–Fort Worth and Austin areas. The region includes major military installations like Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and education-based economies. 254 remains a standalone area code and is widely used in local communities and businesses. It’s an important communication hub in the heart of Texas.