Arkansas Area Codes: Your Essential Reference

Exploring Arkansas area codes is essential for residents, companies, and those wanting to establish a base in Arkansas. Whether you’re dialing into Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jonesboro, each location has its own specific area code. This guide will cover the history, current use, and benefits of using virtual or local phone numbers in Arkansas.
Arkansas Area Codes Overview
Arkansas is read more assigned into three main area codes: 479, 501, and 870. These codes are distributed based on geographic boundaries to serve residents and businesses efficiently.
- 501: Mid-state, including Little Rock
- 479: Northwestern region, like Fayetteville
- 870: Eastern and Southern Arkansas, covering Texarkana
History of Arkansas Area Codes
Initially, Arkansas used a single area code, 501, allocated in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan. As usage increased, 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.
City Breakdown by Area Code
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?
Using a local Arkansas phone number provides your company a trusted presence. With more customers preferring to answer local numbers, it’s an effective way to increase trust.
- Improve local recognition
- Enhance call engagement
- Target specific zones
- 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 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.
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 |
Setting Up a Local Arkansas Number
Choose a provider that lets you pick specific Arkansas area codes. With Bling's virtual phone number service, you can route leads, send SMS, and track engagement—all through a cloud-based dashboard.
Who Uses Arkansas Area Codes?
- Local Customer Support
- Inbound Marketing Campaigns
- Multi-location Franchises
- Remote Sales Teams
Additional Reading
- 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 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 virtual number in 479, 501, or 870 is an affordable and strategic move. Pair it with the right phone system to stay connected anywhere.