Area Code 517
Michigan
Area code 517 serves Michigan, primarily Lansing, in the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. It has served the region since 01-Jan-1947.
Area Code Splits
Parts of this area code’s original geographic region were later assigned new area codes through splits. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.
Split into: area code 989 (Saginaw).
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 517 is approximately 1,433,478. The population density is 193 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 94. The median household income is $65,004, which is lower than the national median of $78,538. Approximately 31.0% 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 12.1%, which is near the national rate of 12.4%.
History
Area code 517 is one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. Over time, area code area code 989 was split from 517.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,433,478
- Population Density
- 193 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $65,004below U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 12.1%near U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.2%near U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+31.0%below U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower31.0%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
MI
Major Cities
- Lansing
- East Lansing
- Jackson
- Okemos
- Holt
- Waverly
- Adrian
- Haslett
- Coldwater
- Howell
- Charlotte
- Tecumseh
- Mason
- Hillsdale
- Grand Ledge
- Albion
- Eaton Rapids
- DeWitt
- Michigan Center
- Vandercook Lake
- Portland
- Williamston
- Blissfield
- Potterville
and 57 more cities
Time Zone
- Eastern Time (ET)
Current Time
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 517).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ingham, MI | 361,916 | 25.2% |
| Jackson, MI | 222,138 | 15.5% |
| Eaton, MI | 202,411 | 14.1% |
| Clinton, MI | 153,642 | 10.7% |
| Lenawee, MI | 113,548 | 7.9% |
| Livingston, MI | 96,206 | 6.7% |
| Hillsdale, MI | 65,024 | 4.5% |
| Branch, MI | 57,667 | 4.0% |
| Calhoun, MI | 53,180 | 3.7% |
| Ionia, MI | 34,731 | 2.4% |
| Shiawassee, MI | 30,357 | 2.1% |
| Washtenaw, MI | 25,926 | 1.8% |
| Monroe, MI | 11,879 | 0.8% |
| Barry, MI | 4,853 | 0.3% |
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in MI with moderate to high population density, centered on Lansing and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 517.
Other Area Codes in Michigan
Area codes that also serve Michigan, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 517 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers assigned to area code 517 are tied to where they were originally provisioned — not the caller's current location. This code serving roughly 1433k people covers Lansing in MI, so a number originally set up there will retain the 517 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 517 is associated with Lansing in MI. 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.
While Lansing is a prominent city in this area code's coverage, the code serves the broader surrounding region as well. Area codes are assigned geographically and typically cover multiple cities, towns, and communities beyond any single anchor city.