Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Where Is Area Code 601?

Area code 601 is in central and southern Mississippi, including Hattiesburg and the Jackson area. It serves a broad part of the state rather than just one city. Hattiesburg is one of the well-known cities in the 601 service area.

Area code 601 covers cities such as Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Natchez, and Brookhaven. It also serves many smaller communities across central and south Mississippi. In the Hattiesburg area, the code reaches parts of Forrest and Lamar counties.

This area includes notable places such as the city of Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi, and Hattiesburg, home to the University of Southern Mississippi. The region also includes parts of the Pine Belt, which is the common name for the forested area around Hattiesburg. The Pearl River and other central Mississippi waterways are part of the broader landscape served by 601.

History of Area Code 601

Area code 601 was one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. At first, it served the entire state of Mississippi. That made 601 the statewide code during the early years of long-distance telephone service.

Area code 601 no longer covers the whole state because Mississippi later split the numbering plan. Area code 228 was created in 1997 for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and area code 662 was created in 1999 for northern Mississippi. In 2025, area code 769 operates as an overlay for the same 601 region, which means the two codes now serve the same central and southern Mississippi territory.

Key Facts About Area Code 601

• Area code 601 is a geographic telephone area code in the state of Mississippi.
• Area code 601 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Hattiesburg is one of the major cities served by area code 601.
• Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, is also within the 601 area code region.
• Area code 601 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 228 split from 601 in 1997 to serve the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
• Area code 662 split from 601 in 1999 to serve northern Mississippi.
• Area code 769 is an overlay of area code 601 in central and southern Mississippi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 601 in?

Area code 601 is in Mississippi.

What major cities use area code 601?

Major cities in area code 601 include Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Natchez, and Brookhaven.

Is area code 601 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 601 is a geographic area code.