Memphis, Tennessee

Where Is Area Code 901?

Area code 901 is in southwestern Tennessee. It serves Memphis and most of Shelby County, which sits along the Mississippi River at the state's far western edge. This is the Tennessee side of the Memphis metropolitan area, near Arkansas and Mississippi.

The main city in area code 901 is Memphis. Other communities in Shelby County that use 901 include Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Arlington, Lakeland, and unincorporated areas of the county. Shelby County is the only county in Tennessee that uses area code 901 today.

The area includes major Memphis landmarks and transportation corridors. These include the Mississippi River, downtown Memphis, Beale Street, Graceland, Memphis International Airport, and the University of Memphis. The region is also home to major freight and logistics activity tied to rail lines, interstate highways, and river traffic.

History of Area Code 901

Area code 901 is one of Tennessee's original area codes. AT&T assigned it in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan. At first, 901 covered the western part of Tennessee.

Area code 901 became smaller as telephone demand grew. In 1954, Tennessee created area code 615 and reduced 901's coverage. In 2001, area code 731 split from 901 and took most of West Tennessee outside the Memphis area. Since that 2001 split, area code 901 has served the Memphis area, mainly Shelby County, and it does not currently use an overlay.

Key Facts About Area Code 901

• Area code 901 is a Tennessee area code centered on Memphis.
• Area code 901 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 901 is one of the original area codes created in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 901 now serves Shelby County, Tennessee, including Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Arlington, and Lakeland.
• Area code 731 split from area code 901 in 2001 and took over most of West Tennessee outside the Memphis area.
• Shelby County had a population of 929,744 in the 2020 U.S. Census.
• The University of Memphis is in area code 901, and Rhodes College and Christian Brothers University are also in Memphis.
• Major landmarks in area code 901 include Beale Street, Graceland, the Mississippi River waterfront, and Memphis International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 901 in?

Area code 901 is in Tennessee.

What major cities use area code 901?

Area code 901 serves Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Arlington, and Lakeland.

Is area code 901 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 901 is a geographic area code for the Memphis, Tennessee region.