Area Code 479
Arkansas
Area code 479 serves Arkansas, primarily Fayetteville, in the Central Time (CT) time zone. It was created from a split of area code 501.
Split Area Code
This area code was created by splitting an existing area code into separate geographic regions. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.
This area code was split from area code 501 (Little Rock).
In service since: 19-Jan-2002
History
Area code 479 was created from a split of area code 501. It was introduced in 2002 as part of a geographic division to provide additional numbering resources.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 479 is approximately 1,360,755. The population density is 64 people per square mile, which is lower than the national average of 94. The median household income is $66,426, which is lower than the national median of $78,538. Approximately 27.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.0%. This rate is lower than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 13.4%, which is near the national rate of 12.4%.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,360,755
- Population Density
- 64 people/sq mibelow U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $66,426below U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 13.4%near U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.3%below U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+27.5%below U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower38.8%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
AR
Major Cities
- Fayetteville
- Fort Smith
- Springdale
- Rogers
- Bentonville
- Bella Vista
- Russellville
- Van Buren
- Centerton
- Siloam Springs
- Lowell
- Greenwood
- Clarksville
- Farmington
- Prairie Grove
- Pea Ridge
- Alma
- Cave Springs
- Tontitown
- Mena
- Barling
- Dardanelle
- Gentry
- Booneville
and 93 more cities
Time Zone
- Central Time (CT)
Current Time
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 479).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Benton, AR | 419,100 | 30.8% |
| Washington, AR | 301,360 | 22.1% |
| Sebastian, AR | 141,535 | 10.4% |
| Madison, AR | 104,579 | 7.7% |
| Pope, AR | 69,287 | 5.1% |
| Crawford, AR | 64,718 | 4.8% |
| Logan, AR | 47,739 | 3.5% |
| Franklin, AR | 45,376 | 3.3% |
| Johnson, AR | 39,921 | 2.9% |
| Scott, AR | 36,260 | 2.7% |
| Yell, AR | 23,408 | 1.7% |
| Carroll, AR | 18,860 | 1.4% |
| Polk, AR | 13,412 | 1.0% |
| Le Flore, OK | 13,412 | 1.0% |
| Newton, AR | 12,082 | 0.9% |
| Conway, AR | 5,980 | 0.4% |
| Perry, AR | 3,598 | 0.3% |
| Searcy, AR | 128 | 0.0% |
Call Context
This area code spans a mix of urban centers and rural communities across AR, with Fayetteville as a primary city.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 479.
Other Area Codes in Arkansas
Area codes that also serve Arkansas, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 479 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers assigned to area code 479 are tied to where they were originally provisioned — not the caller's current location. This code serving roughly 1361k people covers Fayetteville in AR, so a number originally set up there will retain the 479 prefix even if the owner moves or uses VoIP. Mobile phones keep their original number when users relocate, and businesses often adopt local area codes to establish a regional presence.
Start by looking up the area code on this site to understand its geographic context — area code 479 is associated with Fayetteville in AR. For caller-specific details, use your carrier's caller ID features or check public directories. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the FTC. To file a complaint about robocalls or spoofed numbers, visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Area codes are sometimes "split" when an existing code runs out of available number combinations. In a split, the original territory is divided geographically, with each portion receiving its own area code. This area code was split from area code 501. See our guide on splits and overlays for details.