Only 11 US states maintain a single area code, representing some of the least populated regions in America. These states include Alaska (907), Delaware (302), Hawaii (808), Maine (207), Montana (406), New Hampshire (603), North Dakota (701), Rhode Island (401), South Dakota (605), Vermont (802), and Wyoming (307). Understanding which states have one area code helps with business communications, call scheduling, and recognizing regional telephone patterns.
Key Takeaways: States With Single Area Codes
- 11 states currently have only one area code, down from 13 in previous years (Idaho and West Virginia added overlay codes)
- States with single area codes typically have populations under 2 million residents
- North Dakota (701) is projected to need a second code by 2026, followed by Montana (406) in 2027
- Alaska covers 665,384 square miles with just one area code, the largest geographic area served by a single code
- Rhode Island is the smallest state by area, yet shares the single-area-code distinction with Alaska
Complete List of States With One Area Code
Alaska (907)
Alaska’s 907 area code covers 665,384 square miles across two time zones, making it the most geographically expansive single area code in North America. Established in 1957 when Alaska was still a territory, it serves approximately 733,000 residents in cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, plus hundreds of remote villages.
Despite its massive size, Alaska’s extremely low population density of 1.3 people per square mile ensures plenty of available phone numbers. No overlay or split is projected for the foreseeable future, making Alaska likely to maintain its single area code indefinitely.
Delaware (302)
Delaware’s 302 area code has served the entire state since 1947, covering 2,489 square miles in the Eastern Time Zone. It serves approximately 1 million residents across Wilmington, Dover, and Rehoboth Beach, providing instant state recognition for Delaware’s thriving corporate sector.
As one of the original 86 area codes, the 302 code benefits businesses since more than 65% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware. Number conservation measures have successfully extended their lifespan, suggesting the 302 will remain sufficient for decades.
Hawaii (808)
Hawaii’s 808 area code uniquely connects eight major islands across 10,931 square miles in the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone. Established in 1957 before statehood, it serves approximately 1.4 million residents plus millions of tourists annually across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
For Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy, the single 808 creates strong brand recognition. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators benefit from the easily recognizable statewide identifier that has remained unchanged since 1959.
Maine (207)
Maine’s 207 area code serves 1.4 million residents across 35,385 square miles in the Eastern Time Zone, covering Portland, Bangor, and Augusta. As one of the original 1947 codes, it has become a symbol of Maine identity, appearing on local merchandise and business branding.
Maine has aggressively pursued number conservation strategies, returning over 750,000 unused numbers to the pool. Originally projected to need a second area code by 2033, improved number management could extend the 207 code’s viability into the 2050s.
Montana (406)
Montana’s 406 area code covers 147,040 square miles across the Mountain Time Zone, serving approximately 1.1 million residents in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. As the fourth-largest state by area, Montana demonstrates that geographic size alone doesn’t necessitate multiple codes.
Montana is experiencing population growth driven by remote workers and retirees, particularly in Bozeman and Missoula. 406 is projected to reach exhaustion by 2027, making it one of the next states likely to add a second code.
New Hampshire (603)
New Hampshire‘s 603 area code serves 1.4 million residents across 9,349 square miles in the Eastern Time Zone, covering Manchester, Nashua, and Concord. Established in 1947, it has successfully maintained single-code status for over 75 years through careful number management.
The growing technology sector and proximity to Boston make the 603 valuable for businesses establishing a New England presence. Current projections suggest sufficient capacity through the 2030s, though growth in southern cities could accelerate exhaustion.
North Dakota (701)
North Dakota’s 701 area code covers 70,698 square miles across the Central Time Zone, serving approximately 779,000 residents in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. It faces the most urgent timeline among single-code states.
The 701 is projected to be exhausted by 2026, making North Dakota likely the next state to implement an overlay or split. Oil boom development and increased mobile phone adoption have accelerated the number of consumers beyond earlier projections.
Rhode Island (401)
Rhode Island’s 401 area code serves 1.1 million residents across just 1,545 square miles in the Eastern Time Zone, making it the smallest state by area with a single code. Despite the second-highest population density in the US, efficient number allocation maintains single-code status.
The 401 covers Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Newport throughout the compact state. Rhode Island’s stable population and effective number management suggest the 401 will remain viable for decades despite high density.
South Dakota (605)
South Dakota’s 605 area code spans 77,116 square miles across the Central and Mountain Time Zones, serving approximately 909,000 residents in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen. It covers diverse geography from the Black Hills to prairie farmland.
South Dakotans strongly identify with the 605 code, with local businesses and events referencing “605” as shorthand for the entire state. With one of the lowest population densities nationally (11.9 people per square mile), the 605 faces no near-term exhaustion concerns.
Vermont (802)
Vermont’s 802 area code serves 647,000 residents across 9,616 square miles in the Eastern Time Zone, covering Burlington, South Burlington, and Rutland. Vermont’s rural character and minimal population growth have kept the 802 area code sufficient since 1947.
Vermont has the smallest population of any single-area-code state, suggesting long-term viability. The tourism industry benefits from the recognizable 802 area code, which signals authentic Vermont origin for products and services from skiing to craft beverages.
Wyoming (307)
Wyoming’s 307 area code covers 97,813 square miles across the Mountain Time Zone, serving approximately 584,000 residents in Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie. With the lowest state population and just 5.9 people per square mile, Wyoming faces no exhaustion concerns.
The 307 area code spans from Yellowstone National Park to the high plains, covering the entire state, including Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Wyoming’s minimal population growth makes it likely to maintain its single area code indefinitely.
Understanding Time Zones in Single Area Code States
Time Zone Distribution
Most single-area-code states occupy a single time zone, simplifying scheduling and communications. Eastern Time states include Delaware (302), Maine (207), New Hampshire (603), Rhode Island (401), and Vermont (802). Central Time states include North Dakota (701) and South Dakota (605), though South Dakota partially extends into Mountain Time.
Mountain Time states include Montana (406) and Wyoming (307), with South Dakota (605) partially in this zone. Alaska (907) uses Alaska Time for most of the state, with the Aleutian Islands in Hawaii-Aleutian Time. Hawaii (808) uses Hawaii-Aleutian Time exclusively.
Daylight Saving Time Considerations
All states with single area codes observe Daylight Saving Time except Hawaii, which remains on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time year-round. Alaska observes DST statewide, including the Aleutian Islands. When scheduling calls across these states, account for time zone differences and DST transitions in spring and fall.
Why Some States Have Only One Area Code
Population Size and Density
The primary factor determining area code needs is population, not geographic size. States with single area codes typically have fewer than 1.5 million residents, generating lower demand for phone numbers. Alaska spans over 665,000 square miles yet maintains one code due to its population of only 733,000, while Rhode Island covers just 1,545 square miles with 1.1 million residents.
When area codes were established in 1947, less populated states received codes with a middle digit of “0,” indicating statewide coverage. More densely populated states received multiple codes from the start. This original allocation pattern largely persists today, though some states have since added codes.
Mobile Phone Impact and Conservation
The explosion of mobile phones since the 1990s dramatically increased number demand, as each device requires a unique number. However, single-area-code states with low populations have absorbed this growth without requiring additional codes. Many have implemented conservation strategies including returning unused number blocks and reducing blocks assigned to carriers.
States working to preserve single area codes have also combated robocaller number hoarding, where automated calling operations hold large blocks of numbers without legitimate use. These combined efforts have extended the lifespan of codes like Maine’s 207, potentially adding decades of availability.
States That Recently Lost Single Area Code Status
Idaho (208/986)
Idaho maintained area code 208 as its sole code from 1947 until 2017, when the 986 overlay was implemented statewide. Idaho’s population exceeding 1.7 million made this addition necessary to prevent number exhaustion. Mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls began in August 2017, affecting residents statewide.
The 986 overlay covers the exact same geographic area as 208, meaning both codes serve Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and all other Idaho communities. New phone numbers are assigned from either code, while existing 208 numbers remain unchanged.
West Virginia (304/681)
The West Virginia kept the area code 304 alone from 1947 until 2009, when the 681 overlay was added to address number exhaustion. West Virginia became the first entire state to implement an overlay plan while previously served by a single code, setting a precedent for future overlay implementations.
The 681 overlay serves the same area as 304 throughout West Virginia, covering Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and all other communities. This overlay approach allowed existing businesses and residents to keep their 304 numbers while providing new numbers for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US state has the oldest single area code?
Delaware (302), Maine (207), New Hampshire (603), Rhode Island (401), South Dakota (605), Vermont (802), and Wyoming (307) all received their codes in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan, making them tied for oldest. Alaska (907) and Hawaii (808) were added later in 1957, when both were still US territories before achieving statehood.
Will any states add a second area code soon?
North Dakota (701) is projected to need a second area code by 2026, followed by Montana (406) in 2027. Maine (207) may require additional capacity by the 2030s depending on conservation efforts and population growth. These projections can change based on the number of conservation successes and actual growth rates in each state.
What happens when a state runs out of numbers?
States can either implement an overlay, where a new area code covers the same geographic area as the existing code, or split the state into regions with different codes. Overlays are now more common because they avoid forcing existing customers to change their phone numbers. With an overlay, new numbers are assigned from either area code while existing numbers remain unchanged.
Do single-area-code states have business advantages?
Yes, businesses benefit from simplified branding, easier customer recall, and statewide recognition. A single area code means customers anywhere in the state immediately recognize local businesses without needing to know specific regional codes. This simplifies marketing materials, business cards, and advertising since one number works statewide without confusion about coverage areas.
Why did Idaho and West Virginia lose single area code status?
Both states experienced population growth and increased mobile phone adoption that exhausted available numbers. Idaho added overlay 986 in 2017 due to population exceeding 1.7 million and rapid growth in the Boise metro area. West Virginia added overlay 681 in 2009 as number conservation efforts could no longer delay exhaustion. Both now require 10-digit dialing for all calls.
