Arkansas Area Codes: Your Essential Reference
Understanding Arkansas area codes is critical for residents, companies, and those wanting to build a presence in Arkansas. Whether you’re calling Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jonesboro, each area has its own unique area code. This guide will cover the evolution, current use, and gettings started with virtual or local phone numbers in Arkansas.
Overview of Arkansas Phone Codes
Arkansas is split into three main area codes: 479, 501, and 870. These codes are allocated based on regional boundaries to serve homes and companies efficiently.
- 501: Central Arkansas, including Little Rock
- 479: Northwest Arkansas, like Fayetteville
- 870: South and East zones, covering Texarkana
Area Code Evolution in Arkansas
Initially, Arkansas used a single dialing code, 501, assigned 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
Why Choose Arkansas Area Codes?
Getting a local Arkansas phone number gives your business a regional presence. With more website customers preferring to answer local numbers, it’s an effective way to gain credibility.
- Boost brand familiarity
- Enhance call engagement
- 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.
Using VoIP and Virtual Numbers in Arkansas
VoIP services are ideal for Arkansas businesses wanting cost-efficient call management, SMS, and AI-backed features. You can set up a virtual number from anywhere in the world. Learn more about this at Bling VoIP Phone Services.
Which Arkansas Area Code Should You Use?
| Area Code | Region | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| 501 | Central Arkansas | Little Rock, Conway |
| 479 | Northwest Arkansas | Fayetteville, Fort Smith |
| 870 | South & East Arkansas | Jonesboro, Texarkana |
How to Get an Arkansas Virtual 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.
Who Uses Arkansas Area Codes?
- Local Customer Support
- Inbound Marketing Campaigns
- Multi-location Franchises
- Remote Sales Teams
Helpful Resources on Arkansas Area Codes
- Wikipedia: List of Arkansas Area Codes
- AreaCodeLocations.info
- YouTube: History of Arkansas Phone Codes
- WhitePages – Arkansas Codes
- AllAreaCodes – Arkansas Overview
Common Questions About AR 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 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.
Final Thoughts
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.