Oregon has 4 active area codes serving cities and communities across the state, all within the Pacific Time Zone. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller from Portland, schedule business calls to Eugene, or understand the state’s overlay system, this guide provides current and verified information about every Oregon area code and how they work.
Key Takeaways:
- Oregon uses 4 area codes: 503, 541, 971, and 458
- The entire state operates in the Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT)
- Area code 503 was the original code established in 1947
- The state uses two overlay systems: 503/971 for northwestern Oregon and 541/458 for the rest of the state
- 10-digit dialing is required statewide due to overlay codes
- The most recent addition was area code 458 in 2010
Oregon Area Codes
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 458 | Eugene, Bend, Medford, Corvallis | Pacific (PST/PDT) | Overlay | 2010 |
| 503 | Portland, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro | Pacific (PST/PDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 541 | Eugene, Bend, Medford, Pendleton | Pacific (PST/PDT) | Split | 1995 |
| 971 | Portland, Salem, Beaverton, Astoria | Pacific (PST/PDT) | Overlay | 2000 |
Area Code 503
code 503 was established on January 1, 1947, as one of the original North American area codes, serving the entire state for 48 years. Today, it covers northwestern Oregon, including Portland, Salem, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Gresham across seven counties (Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill).
This region holds approximately 2.3 million residents. In 1995, it split to create 541, and in 2000, overlay code 971 was added.
Area Code 541
541 was created on November 5, 1995, through a split from area code 503. It covers the vast majority of Oregon’s geography, serving 17 counties outside the northwestern corner. Major cities include Eugene, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, Ashland, and Pendleton. This expansive region encompasses diverse economies from university towns to timber country, agriculture, and tourism destinations like Crater Lake. In 2010, overlay code 458 was added due to number exhaustion.
Area Code 971
971 was introduced on October 1, 2000, as Oregon’s first overlay code, initially covering portions of the 503 region. On April 27, 2008, it expanded to overlay the entire 503 territory. Both codes serve identical geographic areas in northwestern Oregon, including Portland and Salem. New numbers are assigned from either code. The overlay approach preserved existing phone numbers while adding capacity, avoiding the disruption of a geographic split.
Area Code 458
Area code 458 was activated on February 10, 2010, as an overlay for the 541 code, making Oregon the first Pacific Northwest state with two separate overlay systems. It serves the same 17 counties as 541, covering most of the state except northwestern corner. Cities like Eugene, Bend, and Corvallis receive new numbers from either 458 or 541. The overlay addressed number exhaustion driven by mobile phone adoption in college towns and growing communities.
Understanding Time Zones in Oregon
The entire state of operates within the Pacific Time Zone. Unlike some neighboring states that span multiple time zones, Oregon maintains uniform time throughout all its regions. This simplifies scheduling and business communications across the state.
UTC Offset and Daylight Saving Time
State observes Pacific Standard Time (PST) during winter months, which is UTC-8. During daylight saving time, the state shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), which is UTC-7. Daylight saving time typically runs from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November.
Scheduling Across Time Zones
When calling Oregon from the Eastern Time Zone, add three hours to Oregon’s current time. From the Central Time Zone, add two hours. From the Mountain Time Zone, add one hour. When scheduling business calls or meetings with this state contacts, always verify whether you’re referencing Pacific, Mountain, Central, or Eastern time to avoid confusion.
Oregon Cities and Their Area Codes
Major Cities by Population:
- Portland (503/971) – Oregon’s largest city with over 650,000 residents
- Eugene (541/458) – The state’s second-largest city, home to the University of Oregon
- Salem (503/971) – The state capital, located in the Willamette Valley
- Gresham (503/971) – A major suburb in the Portland metropolitan area
- Hillsboro (503/971) – A key tech hub in the Silicon Forest
- Bend (541/458) – Central Oregon’s largest city and outdoor recreation center
- Beaverton (503/971) – Home to Nike’s world headquarters
- Medford (541/458) – Southern Oregon’s commercial center
- Springfield (541/458) – Eugene’s neighboring city across the Willamette River
- Corvallis (541/458) – Home to Oregon State University
- Albany (541/458) – A historic city in the mid-Willamette Valley
- Lake Oswego (503/971) – An affluent Portland suburb
- Tigard (503/971) – A growing city in the Portland metro area
- Ashland (541/458) – Famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
- Oregon City (503/971) – Historic city at the end of the Oregon Trail
How to Use Area Codes in Oregon
Local Calling Requirements
This state requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, even within the same area code. When making a local call, you must dial the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. This requirement applies statewide due to the overlay systems in place. You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls, only the 10 digits.
Calling from Outside Oregon
When calling Oregon from elsewhere in the United States or Canada, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number (for example, 1-503-555-1234). This long-distance format applies whether you’re calling from a neighboring state or across the country.
International Dialing Format
To call Oregon from outside North America, dial your country’s international access code (often 00 or 011), then 1 (the country code for the United States), then the Oregon area code, and finally the seven-digit local number. For example, from most of Europe, you would dial 00-1-503-555-1234.
Mobile and Landline Considerations
In Oregon, there is no distinction between mobile and landline phone numbers based on the area code alone. Both wireless and traditional landline services use the same area codes. A 503 number could belong to either a mobile phone or a landline, so the area code itself does not indicate the type of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest area code in Oregon?
Area code 503 is Oregon’s oldest, established on January 1, 1947, as one of the original 86 area codes created in North America. For nearly five decades, it served the entire state before population growth required the addition of area code 541 in 1995.
What area code is Portland, Oregon?
Portland uses 503 and 971. Both codes serve the same geographic area through an overlay system. New phone numbers in Portland may be assigned either area code, and both are considered equally local.