Arkansas Area Codes: A Complete Guide
Exploring Arkansas area codes is critical for residents, companies, and anyone looking to establish a base in Arkansas. Whether you’re dialing into Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jonesboro, each region has its own specific area code. This guide will cover the history, active codes, and gettings started with virtual or local phone numbers in Arkansas.
Arkansas Area Codes Overview
Arkansas is split into three primary area codes: 479, 501, and 870. These codes are assigned based on geographic boundaries to serve residents and businesses efficiently.
- 501: Central Arkansas, including Conway
- 479: Northwest Arkansas, like Fort Smith
- 870: Eastern and Southern Arkansas, covering El Dorado
History of Arkansas Area Codes
At the start, Arkansas used a single dialing 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 call routing 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 provides your company a regional presence. With more customers preferring to answer local numbers, it’s an effective way to gain credibility.
- Improve local recognition
- Enhance call engagement
- Segment support by region
- Appear statewide
Try the advanced features of Bling’s Business Phone System to run smart communications through Arkansas-based numbers.
Why Use VoIP in Arkansas
VoIP services are ideal for Arkansas businesses wanting flexible call management, area codes in Little Rock AR SMS, and advanced 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
Select a VoIP platform 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
Additional Reading
- Wikipedia: List of Arkansas Area Codes
- AreaCodeLocations.info
- YouTube: History of Arkansas Phone Codes
- WhitePages – Arkansas Codes
- AllAreaCodes – Arkansas Overview
Arkansas Phone Code FAQ
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.
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 virtual number in 479, 501, or 870 is an affordable and strategic move. Pair it with the right phone system to stay connected anywhere.