Arkansas Area Codes: Everything You Need to Know
Knowing about Arkansas area codes is critical for residents, companies, and those wanting to establish a presence in Arkansas. Whether you’re calling Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jonesboro, each region has its own specific area code. We'll explore the evolution, current use, and benefits of using virtual or local phone numbers in Arkansas.
Overview of Arkansas Phone Codes
Arkansas is split into three primary area codes: 479, 501, and 870. These codes are distributed based on regional boundaries to serve homes and companies efficiently.
- 501: Mid-state, including Benton
- 479: Northwestern region, like Fayetteville
- 870: Eastern and Southern Arkansas, covering Jonesboro
Arkansas Area Code Timeline
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.
Area Codes by Major Cities
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 gives your business a regional presence. With more customers preferring to answer local numbers, it’s an easy way to increase trust.
- Boost brand familiarity
- 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.
VoIP for Arkansas Businesses
VoIP services are ideal for Arkansas businesses wanting flexible call management, 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 |
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 track engagement—all through a cloud-based dashboard.
Common Use Cases
- 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 more info 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.