Kentucky has 5 active area codes serving its major cities and rural communities across two time zones. Approximately 60% follow Eastern Time, while 40% observe Central Time. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, plan business communications, or understand recent changes, this guide provides complete and current information about every regional designation, including the newly approved 761 overlay scheduled for 2027.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Getting 6th Area Code
New 761 Coming to Louisville Region
In August 2025, the Public Service Commission approved a new overlay for the existing 502 region. The 761 will serve the same geographic territory currently covered by 502, which includes Louisville and surrounding counties in north-central Kentucky.
This became necessary because 502 is projected to exhaust its available telephone numbers during the third quarter of 2027. All existing 502 customers will keep both their current three-digit designation and seven-digit phone number. However, once 761 is implemented, mandatory 10-digit dialing will be required throughout the entire 502 geographic territory.
NANPA estimates that the overlay will provide telephone numbers for approximately 30 years based on current demand. Implementation is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, giving residents and businesses time to prepare for the transition to 10-digit dialing.
Kentucky Area Codes: Quick Reference Table
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 270 | Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Elizabethtown | Central (CST/CDT) | Split from 502 | 1999 |
| 364 | Same as 270 (Overlay) | Central (CST/CDT) | Overlay | 2014 |
| 502 | Louisville, Frankfort, Shelbyville, Bardstown | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 606 | Ashland, London, Somerset, Pikeville, Hazard, Morehead | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split from 502 | 1954 |
| 859 | Lexington, Covington, Richmond, Florence, Nicholasville | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split from 606 | 2000 |
| 761* | Louisville area (Same as 502) | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Overlay (Approved) | 2027* |
Detailed Information by Region
Area Code 270
This designation was created in 1999 when the western half split off from 502. It serves both western and south-central territories, covering major cities like Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Madisonville, and Elizabethtown.
This region operates on Central Time (CST/CDT), which is one hour behind Eastern Time. Major counties include Warren (home to Bowling Green), Daviess (Owensboro), McCracken (Paducah), Christian (Hopkinsville and Fort Campbell), Henderson, and portions of Hardin County.
With an estimated 1.2 million of Kentucky’s 4.5 million residents, this is the most populated western region. Due to the 364 overlay implemented in 2014, all calls within this territory require 10-digit dialing, even for local calls.
Area Code 364
Added in 2014 as an overlay to 270 to address growing demand for telephone numbers in western territories. As an overlay, 364 serves exactly the same geographic territory as 270, meaning new phone numbers in cities like Bowling Green or Owensboro could be assigned either designation.
This overlay system allows existing 270 users to keep their numbers while providing thousands of new numbers for population growth and business expansion. The Public Service Commission established 364 following a request from NANPA to increase the supply of phone numbers in Western Kentucky.
Area Code 502
Kentucky’s first and oldest designation, established in 1947 when AT&T and the Bell System created the North American Numbering Plan. Originally, this single three-digit number covered all of Kentucky.
Today, 502 serves north-central territories, including Louisville (the largest city), Frankfort (the capital), and surrounding communities. The region covers counties including Jefferson, Franklin, Henry, Carroll, Anderson, Nelson, Bullitt, Shelby, Owen, Oldham, Trimble, Scott, and Spencer, with parts of Meade and Hardin.
This region follows Eastern Time (EST/EDT). As mentioned above, 502 is running out of available numbers and will receive the 761 overlay beginning in 2027. Currently, 7-digit local dialing is still permitted, but this will change to mandatory 10-digit dialing once 761 is activated.
Area Code 606
Created in 1954 as Kentucky’s second three-digit designation, splitting from the original 502 to serve the eastern half. It covers eastern territories, particularly the Eastern Coalfield region of the Appalachian Mountains.
Major cities served include London, Maysville, Pikeville, Somerset, Middlesboro, Morehead, Hazard, Ashland, Paintsville, and Corbin. This region is predominantly rural and mountainous, with strong ties to coal mining heritage and Appalachian culture.
Operating on Eastern Time (EST/EDT), 606 currently allows 7-digit local dialing since no overlay has been implemented. The region covers dozens of counties across the eastern portion of Kentucky.
Area Code 859
Introduced in 2000 as a split from 606 to serve northern, central, and southeastern territories. It covers some of the most populous areas, including Lexington (the second-largest city) and Northern Kentucky cities near Cincinnati.
Major cities include Lexington, Covington, Richmond, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Florence, Danville, Winchester, and Erlanger. The region encompasses key counties such as Fayette (Lexington), Kenton, Campbell, Boone, Madison, Jessamine, Woodford, and Bourbon.
Operating on Eastern Time (EST/EDT), 859 currently permits 7-digit local dialing. It includes both the urban Lexington metropolitan territory and the Northern Kentucky suburbs across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.
Understanding Kentucky's Time Zones
Two-Zone System
About 60% of Kentucky lies in the Eastern Time Zone, with the remaining 40% in the Central Time Zone. The boundary between the two zones generally follows county lines rather than cutting through individual counties.
Eastern Time cities include Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Covington, Richmond, Ashland, Georgetown, Somerset, and most major population centers. Central Time cities include Bowling Green, Owensboro, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Murray, and Madisonville.
The boundary line between the two time zones runs east of Knox County, following the borders of counties including Breckinridge, Grayson, Hart, Green, Adair, Russell, and Clinton. This means neighboring counties can observe different times.
Time Zone by Area Code
The relationship between three-digit designations and time zones is straightforward:
- 270/364 regions: Central Time (UTC-6 standard, UTC-5 daylight)
- 502 region: Eastern Time (UTC-5 standard, UTC-4 daylight)
- 606 region: Eastern Time (UTC-5 standard, UTC-4 daylight)
- 859 region: Eastern Time (UTC-5 standard, UTC-4 daylight)
Daylight Saving Time
Kentucky observes Daylight Saving Time throughout. Clocks spring forward on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM (moving to 3:00 AM) and fall back on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM (moving back to 1:00 AM). During Daylight Saving Time, EST becomes EDT, and CST becomes CDT.
Major Cities and Their Area Codes
- Louisville (502) – Jefferson County – Eastern Time – Largest city
- Lexington (859) – Fayette County – Eastern Time – Second-largest city
- Bowling Green (270/364) – Warren County – Central Time
- Owensboro (270/364) – Daviess County – Central Time
- Covington (859) – Kenton County – Eastern Time – Part of Cincinnati metro
- Richmond (859) – Madison County – Eastern Time
- Florence (859) – Boone County – Eastern Time
- Hopkinsville (270/364) – Christian County – Central Time – Near Fort Campbell
- Paducah (270/364) – McCracken County – Central Time
- Frankfort (502) – Franklin County – Eastern Time – Capital
- Henderson (270/364) – Henderson County – Central Time
- Elizabethtown (270/364) – Hardin County – Central Time – Near Fort Knox
How to Dial Within Kentucky
Local Dialing Requirements
The dialing rules vary depending on which region you’re calling from:
- 270/364 overlay region: 10-digit dialing required for all calls (three-digit designation + seven-digit number)
- 502 region: Currently 7-digit local dialing, but will change to mandatory 10-digit dialing when 761 overlay launches in 2027
- 606 region: 7-digit local dialing (no overlay currently implemented)
- 859 region: 7-digit local dialing (no overlay currently implemented)
Dialing Between Regions
For calls between different regions within Kentucky, dial 1 + three-digit designation + seven-digit number. Within overlay regions (270/364), always use the full 10-digit number without the leading 1 for local calls.
Calling from Outside Kentucky
- From US or Canada: Dial 1 + three-digit designation + seven-digit number
- From international locations: Dial +1 + three-digit designation + seven-digit number
Mobile Phone Considerations
Mobile phone numbers retain their original designation regardless of where the user is currently located. A person with a 502 number might actually be anywhere in the world. Three-digit designations on mobile phones indicate where the number was originally assigned, not the user’s current location.
Historical Timeline
Evolution Over Time
- 1947: 502 established, covering all of Kentucky
- 1954: 606 created through a split from 502 to serve eastern regions
- 1999: 270 split from 502 to serve western and south-central territories
- 2000: 859 split from 606 to serve northern and central regions
- 2014: 364 added as an overlay to 270 in western territories
- August 2025: Public Service Commission approves 761 overlay for 502 region
- Q3 2027: Expected implementation of 761
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does Kentucky have?
Kentucky currently has 5 active three-digit designations (270, 364, 502, 606, 859). A 6th designation, 761, has been approved by the Public Service Commission and is scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2027 as an overlay to the 502 region.
What time zone is Kentucky in?
Kentucky spans two time zones. Approximately 60% of the territory, including Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort, observes Eastern Time (EST/EDT). The remaining 40%, including Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Paducah, observes Central Time (CST/CDT). Both regions observe Daylight Saving Time.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Kentucky?
It depends on your location. In the 270/364 overlay region covering western territories, you must dial all 10 digits for every call, including local calls. In the 502, 606, and 859 regions, local calls currently require only the seven-digit phone number. However, 502 will transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing when the 761 overlay is implemented in 2027.
What is the oldest area code in Kentucky?
502 is the oldest, established in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan. It initially covered all of Kentucky before being divided through multiple splits to create additional designations as demand for telephone numbers increased.
Are new area codes planned for Kentucky?
Yes. 761 has been approved and will overlay the 502 region (Louisville and north-central territories) beginning in 2027. This became necessary because 502 is expected to exhaust its available telephone numbers in the third quarter of 2027. There are no other new designations currently planned beyond 761.
Why is Kentucky getting a new area code?
502 is running out of available phone numbers due to several factors: population growth in the Louisville metro territory, increased mobile phone usage, businesses requiring multiple lines, and the expansion of telecommunications services. The 761 overlay will provide approximately 30 years’ worth of additional phone numbers without requiring existing 502 users to change their numbers.
Will I have to change my phone number when 761 is added?
No. All current 502 users will retain both their existing three-digit designation and their seven-digit phone number. Only newly assigned phone numbers in the 502 geographic region will receive the 761 designation. However, you will need to start using 10-digit dialling for all calls once the overlay is implemented.
Which Kentucky cities use area code 502?
502 serves north-central Kentucky, including Louisville (the largest city), Frankfort (the capital), Shelbyville, Bardstown, Georgetown, La Grange, Mount Washington, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, and Carrollton. The region covers Jefferson, Franklin, Henry, Carroll, Anderson, Nelson, Bullitt, Shelby, Owen, Oldham, Trimble, Scott, and Spencer counties, plus portions of Meade and Hardin.
Is area code 270 the same as 364?
They serve the same geographic territory but are technically different designations. 364 is an overlay of 270, meaning both numbers cover western and south-central Kentucky. New phone numbers in this region can be assigned either 270 or 364. When calling within this region, you must always dial the full 10-digit number.
Can I determine someone's exact location from their Kentucky area code?
Three-digit designations indicate the general region where a phone number was originally assigned, but they don’t reveal the precise current location, especially for mobile phones. A 502 number suggests a connection to the Louisville territory, a 859 number to Lexington or Northern Kentucky, a 270/364 number to western territories, and a 606 number to eastern regions. However, people can move anywhere while keeping their original phone number, so the designation shows origin, not current whereabouts.
What's the difference between area codes 606 and 859?
These designations serve different regions of Kentucky. 606 covers eastern territories, including the Appalachian region with cities like Ashland, Pikeville, Somerset, London, and Hazard. 859 serves northern and central territories, including Lexington, Covington (Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati), Richmond, Florence, and Georgetown. The 859 region generally has larger cities and higher population density compared to the more rural 606 region.
How do I find out which area code I need to call in Kentucky?
You can reference the city list provided above, check the Public Service Commission’s map, or use an online lookup tool. Most online mapping services and phone directories also display three-digit designations when you search for Kentucky locations. If you know the city name, you can find its designation in our comprehensive table above.
Additional Resources
For more information about Kentucky telecommunications:
- Kentucky Public Service Commission – Official regulator for telecommunications
- NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) – Federal authority managing assignments
- Individual city pages – Detailed information about specific cities and their designations
- Time zone converters – Tools for scheduling calls across Kentucky’s two time zones
Recent Updates and Changes
- August 2025: Kentucky Public Service Commission approves 761 overlay for 502 region
- October 2024: NANPA submits application to PSC requesting relief plan for 502 region
- Expected Q3 2027: Implementation of 761 for Louisville and surrounding territories
- 2014: Most recent addition prior to 761 approval (364 overlay for 270)
Understanding Kentucky’s telephone numbering system helps ensure effective communication, whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor. With the upcoming addition of 761, staying informed about these changes will help you adapt to new dialing requirements and maintain seamless telecommunications across the Commonwealth.