Little Rock, Arkansas

Where Is Area Code 501?

Area code 501 is in central Arkansas. It serves Little Rock and much of the Arkansas River Valley and nearby central parts of the state. The code is centered on the Little Rock metropolitan area.

Major cities in area code 501 include Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Jacksonville, Cabot, Russellville, and Hot Springs. The area code covers all or parts of counties such as Pulaski, Faulkner, Saline, Garland, Lonoke, Pope, and White. It also serves many smaller communities across central Arkansas.

Notable places in the 501 area include the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, and the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The Arkansas River runs through the region and is a major geographic feature. Pinnacle Mountain State Park, west of Little Rock, is also within the broader 501 calling area.

History of Area Code 501

Area code 501 was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. At that time, it covered the entire state of Arkansas. It remained the only Arkansas area code for decades as telephone use grew.

Area code 501 was reduced in size by two splits. In 1997, Arkansas created area code 870 for the northern, eastern, southern, and western parts of the state. In 2002, Arkansas created area code 479 for northwestern Arkansas, leaving 501 focused on central Arkansas. Area code 501 is not an overlay code.

Key Facts About Area Code 501

• Area code 501 is a geographic telephone area code in the state of Arkansas.
• Little Rock, the capital and largest city in Arkansas, is the best-known city in area code 501.
• Area code 501 follows Central Time. It uses Central Standard Time and Central Daylight Time.
• Area code 501 is one of the original area codes established in 1947.
• Area code 501 originally covered all of Arkansas before splits created area codes 870 in 1997 and 479 in 2002.
• The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Central Arkansas are both in the 501 area.
• Hot Springs National Park, one of the best-known federal park sites in Arkansas, is in area code 501.
• The 501 area includes much of the Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Conway metropolitan region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 501 in?

Area code 501 is in Arkansas.

What major cities use area code 501?

Major cities in area code 501 include Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Jacksonville, Cabot, Russellville, and Hot Springs.

Is area code 501 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 501 is a geographic area code for central Arkansas.