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 & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,433,478
- Population Density
- 193 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 93 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $65,004below U.S. median (U.S.: $75,144)
- Poverty Rate
- 12.1%near U.S. average (U.S.: 11.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.2%above U.S. average (U.S.: 3.6%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+31.0%near U.S. average (U.S.: 33.7%)High School or Lower31.0%
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), 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
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
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 93. The median household income is $65,004, which is lower than the national median of $75,144. Approximately 31.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 33.7%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%, which is near the national rate of 11.5%.
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.
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% |
Area Code 517 Family Tree
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Area code 517 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve MI. Over the years, it has generated 1 descendant area code through a combination of geographic splits and overlays as demand for telephone numbers grew.
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.