Area Code 502
Kentucky
Area code 502 serves Kentucky, primarily Louisville, in the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. It has served the region since 01-Jan-1947.
Published: Verified against NANPA and FCC records
Overlay Area Code
This area code shares its geographic footprint with an overlay code, so the same cities are served by two area codes. Because overlays leave existing numbers untouched, this region's relief planning favors adding codes over redrawing boundaries.
The codes serving this same region: area code 761 (Louisville).
With prefix utilization already at 91.5%, numbering resources here are under sustained pressure — context that explains why overlays were introduced.
In service since: 01-Jan-1947
Area Code Splits
One area code has been carved out of this code's original territory through a geographic split. Each split was a relief action: as demand grew, part of the region was reassigned to a new code rather than overlaying the whole territory.
Split into: area code 270 (Bowling Green).
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 2,084,800
- Population Density
- 212 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $69,866below U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
- Poverty Rate
- 12.3%near U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.7%near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+32.3%near U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)High School or Lower32.9%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates. Population figures are approximate — see Sources & Methodology for details on how area code populations are derived.
See how this area code compares to all US area codes in the income ranking and density ranking.
Time Zone
- Eastern Time (ET)
NANPA Relief Status
According to the latest NANPA analysis (July 2026), area code 502 is currently relief planning in progress.
Planning letters: PL-155, PL-140
Source: NANPA NPA Relief Planning Reports · See all relief planning statuses
Current Time
Prefix Utilization
Geographic Coverage
State
KY
Major Cities
- Louisville
- Georgetown
- Jeffersontown
- Frankfort
- Mount Washington
- St. Matthews
- Shelbyville
- Shively
- Shepherdsville
- Bardstown
- Lawrenceburg
- Lyndon
- La Grange
- Middletown
- Hillview
- Fort Knox
- Crestwood
- Douglass Hills
- Hurstbourne
- Prospect
- Westwood
- Carrollton
- Buckner
- Simpsonville
and 112 more cities
History
Area code 502 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. It shares its territory with area code area code 761.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 502 is approximately 2,084,800. The population density is 212 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 95. The median household income is $69,866, which is lower than the national median of $80,734. Approximately 32.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.7%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, which is near the national rate of 12.5%.
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 502).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson, KY | 853,487 | 40.9% |
| Bullitt, KY | 213,851 | 10.3% |
| Shelby, KY | 193,852 | 9.3% |
| Oldham, KY | 154,665 | 7.4% |
| Henry, KY | 96,715 | 4.6% |
| Spencer, KY | 92,780 | 4.5% |
| Franklin, KY | 60,389 | 2.9% |
| Scott, KY | 58,661 | 2.8% |
| Bourbon, KY | 52,173 | 2.5% |
| Fayette, KY | 52,173 | 2.5% |
| Woodford, KY | 51,627 | 2.5% |
| Nelson, KY | 48,479 | 2.3% |
| Anderson, KY | 28,747 | 1.4% |
| Mercer, KY | 23,739 | 1.1% |
| Carroll, KY | 23,531 | 1.1% |
| Trimble, KY | 20,338 | 1.0% |
| Hardin, KY | 19,689 | 0.9% |
| Owen, KY | 16,258 | 0.8% |
| Meade, KY | 9,879 | 0.5% |
| Gallatin, KY | 4,897 | 0.2% |
| Larue, KY | 4,523 | 0.2% |
| Harrison, KY | 2,662 | 0.1% |
| Grant, KY | 1,685 | 0.1% |
Area Code 502 Family Tree
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All Descendants
Area code 502 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve KY. Over the years, it has generated 3 descendant area codes through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in KY with moderate to high population density, centered on Louisville and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 502.
Other Area Codes in Kentucky
Area codes that also serve Kentucky, linked for easy comparison.