Beaver, Oregon

Where Is Area Code 503?

Area code 503 is in northwestern Oregon. It covers the Portland metropolitan area and other parts of the Willamette Valley and the northern Oregon Coast. It is one of Oregon's two main area code regions, along with 541 and 458 in the rest of the state.

Area code 503 serves major cities such as Portland, Salem, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, and McMinnville. It also covers communities in counties that include Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Columbia, and Tillamook. Beaver is in Tillamook County on the northern Oregon Coast, and phone numbers there can use area code 503.

This area includes the lower Columbia River region, the Willamette River corridor, and part of the Pacific coast. Notable landmarks within the 503 region include downtown Portland, the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, and coastal communities near Tillamook Bay.

History of Area Code 503

Area code 503 was established in 1947. It was one of the original North American area codes, and at first it covered the entire state of Oregon.

Area code 503 stopped covering all of Oregon in 1995, when most of the state moved to area code 541. In 2000, area code 971 was added as an overlay for the same northwestern Oregon region served by 503. Because of that overlay, 10-digit dialing applies across the 503 area.

Key Facts About Area Code 503

• Area code 503 is in the state of Oregon.
• Portland is the largest city in area code 503.
• Area code 503 serves northwestern Oregon, including Portland, Salem, and parts of the northern Oregon Coast.
• Area code 503 was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 503 originally covered all of Oregon until area code 541 was created in 1995.
• Area code 971 overlays area code 503 in the same service area, and the overlay began in 2000.
• Area code 503 is in the Pacific Time Zone.
• The 503 region includes major institutions and landmarks such as Portland State University, Oregon Health & Science University, and the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 503 in?

Area code 503 is in Oregon.

What major cities use area code 503?

Major cities in area code 503 include Portland, Salem, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, and McMinnville.

Is area code 503 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 503 is a geographic area code.