Area Code 503
Oregon
Area code 503 serves Oregon, primarily Portland, in the Pacific Time (PT) 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 971 (Portland).
With prefix utilization already at 98.0%, 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 541 (Eugene).
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 3,441,540
- Population Density
- 294 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $90,063above U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
- Poverty Rate
- 10.4%below U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.0%near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+41.5%above U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)High School or Lower23.5%
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
- Pacific Time (PT)
NANPA Relief Status
According to the latest NANPA analysis (July 2026), this area code is not currently listed as exhausting within the next 36 months. No relief planning is in progress for this NPA.
Source: NANPA NPA Relief Planning Reports · See all relief planning statuses
Current Time
Prefix Utilization
Geographic Coverage
State
OR
Major Cities
- Portland
- Salem
- Gresham
- Hillsboro
- Beaverton
- Tigard
- Aloha
- Lake Oswego
- Keizer
- Oregon City
- McMinnville
- Bethany
- Tualatin
- West Linn
- Woodburn
- Forest Grove
- Wilsonville
- Newberg
- Happy Valley
- Hayesville
- Milwaukie
- Sherwood
- Cedar Mill
- Canby
and 124 more cities
History
Area code 503 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 971.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 503 is approximately 3,441,540. The population density is 294 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 95. The median household income is $90,063, which is higher than the national median of $80,734. Approximately 41.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.7%. This rate is higher than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 12.5%.
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 503).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Multnomah, OR | 1,062,414 | 30.9% |
| Washington, OR | 786,305 | 22.8% |
| Clackamas, OR | 739,072 | 21.5% |
| Marion, OR | 348,540 | 10.1% |
| Yamhill, OR | 226,339 | 6.6% |
| Polk, OR | 103,557 | 3.0% |
| Columbia, OR | 58,692 | 1.7% |
| Clatsop, OR | 49,542 | 1.4% |
| Tillamook, OR | 28,487 | 0.8% |
| Linn, OR | 21,355 | 0.6% |
| Benton, OR | 13,953 | 0.4% |
| Hood River, OR | 3,284 | 0.1% |
Area Code 503 Family Tree
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All Descendants
Area code 503 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve OR. 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 OR with moderate to high population density, centered on Portland and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 503.
Other Area Codes in Oregon
Area codes that also serve Oregon, linked for easy comparison.