Receive a local area code
501
You can get a business phone with Area Code 501 for free with Phonely. For less than $60 / Month, you can even equip your phone number with an AI phone receptionist that talks like a human and answeres FAQ's, schedules appointments, routes your calls and so much more.
Economic Overview
The 501 area code region has a diverse economy, anchored by government, healthcare, education, and service industries, with major employers including the State of Arkansas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Baptist Health, and Dillard’s. Little Rock serves as a financial and transportation hub, while Conway and Benton are centers for technology, higher education, and manufacturing. The presence of several universities and state agencies also contributes significantly to the local economy.
Geographical Overview
Area code 501 covers central Arkansas, including the capital city of Little Rock, as well as Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Benton, Jacksonville, and several surrounding communities. The area includes Pulaski, Faulkner, Saline, Lonoke, Garland, and parts of Perry and White counties. It encompasses urban, suburban, and some rural areas in the heart of Arkansas.
Location Info
The 501 area code primarily serves the central portion of Arkansas, extending from Little Rock and its suburbs north to Conway, west to Hot Springs, and south to Benton and Bryant. It does not include the northwestern, northeastern, or southern extremities of the state, which are covered by other area codes. The 501 area code was once statewide but has been split to its current central Arkansas footprint, with boundaries generally defined by Pulaski County and adjacent counties.
Population Demographics
The population in the 501 area code is diverse and growing, with a mix of urban residents in Little Rock and Conway and suburban and rural populations in surrounding communities. The region features a blend of age groups, with significant student populations due to several colleges and universities, and has a racial and ethnic makeup that reflects Arkansas’s broader demographics, including strong African American and Hispanic communities in urban areas.
Time Zone Info
Area code 501 is located entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
Other Area Code Details
Area code 501 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 and was the first area code assigned to Arkansas. It now covers the state’s capital and most populous city, Little Rock, and is home to several notable historic sites, including the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and Hot Springs National Park.