Arkansas Area Codes: A Complete Guide
Understanding Arkansas area codes is critical for locals, businesses, and anyone looking to establish a presence in Arkansas. Whether you’re calling Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jonesboro, each location has its own specific area code. This guide will cover the history, active codes, and benefits of using virtual or local phone numbers in Arkansas.
Main Arkansas Dialing Codes
Arkansas is divided into three main area codes: 479, 501, and 870. These codes are allocated based on geographic boundaries to serve residents and businesses efficiently.
- 501: Central Arkansas, including Little Rock
- 479: Northwest Arkansas, like Rogers
- 870: South and East zones, covering Texarkana
History of Arkansas Area Codes
At the start, Arkansas used a single area code, 501, allocated in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan. As population grew, area code 870 was created in 1997, followed by area code 479 in 2002. These changes allowed for more efficient number distribution and support for growing demand.
See the full numbering map on NANPA's official website.
What Cities Use Which Area Codes?
501
- Little Rock
- Conway
- Bryant
- North Little Rock
479
- Fayetteville
- Springdale
- Rogers
- Fort Smith
870
- Jonesboro
- Texarkana
- El Dorado
- Pine Bluff
Benefits of Arkansas Phone Numbers
Using a local Arkansas phone number provides your business a trusted presence. With more customers preferring to answer local numbers, it’s an easy way to increase trust.
- Improve local recognition
- Increase pickup rates
- Segment support by region
- Establish multi-city presence
Try the advanced features of Bling’s Business Phone System to run smart communications through Arkansas-based numbers.
Why Use VoIP in Arkansas
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) empower Arkansas businesses wanting flexible call management, SMS, and AI-backed features. You can get a virtual number from anywhere in the world. Learn more about this at Bling VoIP Phone Services.
Differences Between 479, 501, and 870
| Area Code | Region | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| 501 | Central Arkansas | Little Rock, Conway |
| 479 | Northwest Arkansas | Fayetteville, Fort Smith |
| 870 | South & East Arkansas | Jonesboro, Texarkana |
Setting Up a Local Arkansas Number
Choose a provider that offers specific Arkansas area codes. With Bling's virtual phone number service, you can route leads, send SMS, and monitor performance—all through a cloud-based dashboard.
When to Use Local Numbers
- Local Customer Support
- Inbound Marketing Campaigns
- Multi-location Franchises
- Remote Sales Teams
Where to Learn More
- Wikipedia: List of Arkansas Area Codes
- AreaCodeLocations.info
- YouTube: History of Arkansas Phone Codes
- WhitePages – Arkansas Codes
- AllAreaCodes – Arkansas Overview
FAQs About Arkansas Area Codes
1. What is the area code for Little Rock, AR?
Little Rock uses area code 501.
2. Can I get a 479 or 870 number online?
Yes, you VoIP service in Arkansas can select any Arkansas code while setting up your virtual number.
3. Are Arkansas codes only for landlines?
No, they’re used for mobile, VoIP, and traditional phones.
4. Do area codes change often in Arkansas?
Not frequently. 501, 479, and 870 have remained consistent since the early 2000s.
5. What’s the difference between local and toll-free numbers?
Local numbers use area codes like 479, while toll-free numbers use codes like 800 or 888.
Wrap-Up
Arkansas area codes provide more than just regional identity—they’re tools for local branding, outreach, and communication. Whether you're starting a business or scaling up, getting a cloud-based number in 479, 501, or 870 is an affordable and strategic move. Pair it with the right phone system to stay connected anywhere.