Arkansas Area Codes: A Complete Guide
Exploring Arkansas area codes is critical for locals, companies, and anyone looking to establish a base in Arkansas. Whether you’re calling Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Jonesboro, each region has its own specific area code. You’ll learn about the evolution, active codes, and benefits of using virtual or local Arkansas area codes phone numbers in Arkansas.
Main Arkansas Dialing Codes
Arkansas is divided into three primary area codes: 479, 501, and 870. These codes are allocated based on geographic boundaries to serve residents and businesses efficiently.
- 501: Mid-state, including Little Rock
- 479: Northwestern region, like Rogers
- 870: South and East zones, covering El Dorado
Area Code Evolution in Arkansas
At the start, 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.
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
Benefits of Arkansas Phone Numbers
Getting a local Arkansas phone number gives your business a trusted presence. With more customers preferring to answer local numbers, it’s an easy 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 connect, manage, and analyze Arkansas-based numbers.
Using VoIP and Virtual Numbers in Arkansas
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 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 |
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 manage calls, send SMS, and monitor performance—all through a cloud-based dashboard.
Common Use Cases
- 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
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.
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.