503 Area Code

The state of Oregon currently uses four area codes (503, 541, 971, 458), and since 2010 Oregon has been completely overlaid. Maryland and West Virginia are two other completely overlaid states. An overlay area code is nothing unusual; it is needed at certain point when the requirement for new telephone lines increases because of increased population.

And now, let’s learn a bit more about these area codes. We can divide these area codes into two groups: area codes 503 and 541 in one group and 971 and 458 in another group. We have decided to place these area codes into two groups because 503 and 541 are standard area codes while 971 and 458 are overlay codes. So, let’s get started.

Group One – Area Codes 503 and 971

503 area code – This area code covers the northwest of Oregon. This includes Portland, Salem and other major cities (look at the image below for some more cities). At the beginning, in 1947, when this area code was established, it covered the entire territory of the state of Oregon. In 1997, because of an increasing population and the use of telephones, additional area code was needed, and area code 503 was split and area code 541 was formed.

971 area code – This area code is actually an overlay code of the 503 area code. You may wonder what an overlay code is. This means that it is an area code present in some parts where 503 is an area code.

Group Two – Area Codes 541 and 458

541 area code – This particular area code covers the rest of Oregon which is not covered by area code 503. This area code was first put into force in 1997 when area code 503 was split.

458 area code – This is actually an overlay code of the area code 541. This overlay code was introduced in 2010.

Area codes 503 and 971

These two area codes cover the same region. Because of the overlay, a 10-digit dialing is required. The number in this case is in the format area code and a 7-digit number. This was required because there can be one telephone number for two different houses in the same region. You may ask – how is this possible? Well, the area code will be different for both of them.

Besides Portland, the area code 503 and 971 are servicing other major cities in the northwestern part of Oregon like:

It can be bad if you call someone while he or she is sleeping, so before making the call, make sure to check what the time is in the area you are planning to call. In case you wonder, what time zone these area codes (503 and 971) are in, we can tell you that they are placed in the Pacific Time Zone.

Area code 502 Facts and Figures

  • 570 landlines
  • 187 wireless prefixes (exchanges)
  • serviced by 54 carriers
  • covers 12 counties
  • 667 ZIP codes
  • 102 cities

We hope that we have successfully answered most of the questions you have possibly had about the 503 Area code or Area Code 503.