The area code 601 is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Area code 601 serves central and southern Mississippi, including the Pine Belt and the city of Hattiesburg, MS. It was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes under the North American Numbering Plan and later split to form 228 (1997) and 662 (1999). Today, 601 works alongside overlay area code 769 (added in 2005), so ten-digit dialing is standard across the region. The area follows Central Time (CT) and covers a mix of college towns, historic cities, and Mississippi’s capital.
Key cities and communities in 601 include:
In Hattiesburg, area code 601 connects a vibrant university city known as the “Hub City,” a nickname from its historic role as a rail and highway crossroads. Landmarks include The University of Southern Mississippi, the Hattiesburg Zoo, the Longleaf Trace, and nearby Camp Shelby. Many local phone numbers use 601, though new lines may be issued with the 769 overlay. If you see a 601 number, it typically traces back to central or southern Mississippi—especially the Jackson and Hattiesburg areas.
“Area code 601 was assigned in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes.” — North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA)
Interesting to know: number portability means a 601 phone number can sometimes move with you, but it remains recognized as a Mississippi code. The 601/769 overlay helps ensure a steady supply of phone numbers for growing communities across the region.