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.
Published: Verified against NANPA and FCC records
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 731 (Jackson).
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,183,991
- Population Density
- 316 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 95 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $63,767below U.S. median (U.S.: $80,734)
- Poverty Rate
- 16.6%above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.5%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.8%above U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+32.5%near U.S. average (U.S.: 35.7%)High School or Lower32.4%
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
- Central Time (CT)
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
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
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 316 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 95. The median household income is $63,767, which is lower than the national median of $80,734. Approximately 32.5% 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 16.6%, which is higher 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 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% |
Area Code 901 Family Tree
Hover over nodes to see details. Click to navigate to individual area code pages. Use scroll to zoom, drag to pan.
Area code 901 was originally assigned in 01-Jan-1947 to serve TN. 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 TN with moderate to high population density, centered on Memphis and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 901.
Other Area Codes in Tennessee
Area codes that also serve Tennessee, linked for easy comparison.