Area Code 901
Tennessee
Area code 901 serves Tennessee, primarily Memphis, in the Central Time (CT) 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 731 (Jackson).
Geographic Coverage
Area code 901 serves Tennessee, primarily the Memphis area, in the Central Time (CT). It covers 25 communities. The geographic center of this area code is approximately 35.30°N, 89.66°W.
History
Area code 901 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 731 was split from 901.
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 901 is approximately 1,183,991. The population density is 313 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 94. The median household income is $62,337, which is lower than the national median of $78,538. Approximately 32.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.0%. This rate is near the national average. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, which is higher than the national rate of 12.4%.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,183,991
- Population Density
- 313 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $62,337below U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 16.3%above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.8%above U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+32.2%near U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower32.4%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
TN
Major Cities
- Memphis
- Bartlett
- Collierville
- Germantown
- Arlington
- Lakeland
- Millington
- Atoka
- Oakland
- Covington
- Munford
- Somerville
- Brighton
- Piperton
- Rossville
- Mason
- Moscow
- Gallaway
- Gilt Edge
- Williston
- Garland
- Burlison
- Braden
- Randolph
and 1 more city
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 901).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby, TN | 955,310 | 80.7% |
| Fayette, TN | 143,602 | 12.1% |
| Tipton, TN | 85,071 | 7.2% |
| Mississippi, AR | 8 | 0.0% |
Call Context
This area code includes Memphis and surrounding communities in Tennessee. It is one of the original area codes established when the North American Numbering Plan was created in 1947.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 901.
Other Area Codes in Tennessee
Area codes that also serve Tennessee, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 901 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers are assigned based on where the number was originally provisioned, not the caller's current location. Mobile phones retain their number when users move, and businesses may use numbers from regions where they don't have a physical presence. VoIP services can also provision numbers from virtually any area code.
Yes, mobile phones can have numbers from any area code in the region they were activated. Wireless carriers assign numbers from available pools regardless of phone type. When users change carriers or move to new areas, they typically keep their original number, which may have a different area code than their current location.
Start by looking up the area code on this site to understand its general geographic region. For the specific number, options include using your carrier's caller ID features or checking 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 your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls. Keep in mind that caller ID can display any name the caller chooses to set.
While Memphis 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.
Yes, this is one of the original area codes established in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created. The initial set of area codes was designed to cover all of North America with a unified dialing system, and many of these original codes remain in use today, though some have been split or received overlays.
The estimated total population served by area code 901 is based on aggregated U.S. Census Bureau data for the counties within this area code. The population varies significantly between dense urban codes serving millions and rural codes covering smaller populations. You can find the specific population figure in the demographics section above.