Kentucky Area Code
Kentucky, a southeastern U.S. state, has several area codes: 270 for western Kentucky, 502 for Louisville, 606 for eastern Kentucky, and 859 for Lexington and northern Kentucky. These codes facilitate regional telecommunications.
| State | Kentucky |
| State Abbreviation: | KY |
| State Nickname: | Bluegrass State Equality State |
| Capital City | Frankfort |
| Area Codes | 270, 502, 606, 859 |
| Timezone | Eastern Time (ET) |
What time zone is Kentucky?
Kentucky primarily follows Eastern Time (ET), UTC-5 during Standard Time (EST), and UTC-4 during Daylight Saving Time (EDT). Some areas in western Kentucky may observe Central Time (CT) during Standard Time (CST).
Note that the start and end dates of daylight saving time can change
History
Kentucky's area code history reflects its growth and evolving telecommunications needs. Originally served by Area Code 502 when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) began in 1947, the state later witnessed changes due to population growth. In 1954, Area Code 606 was introduced for eastern Kentucky. Further expansion led to the creation of Area Code 270 for western Kentucky. These adjustments ensured efficient phone number allocation while maintaining reliable communication across the state.
All Area Codes in Kentucky
This table provides a quick overview of all area codes, their locations, and some historical context for each.
| Area Code | Location | History and Details |
|---|---|---|
| 270 | Western Kentucky | Serves western Kentucky, including cities like Bowling Green and Owensboro. |
| 502 | Louisville | Covers the Louisville metropolitan area, the largest city in Kentucky. |
| 606 | Eastern Kentucky | Designated for eastern Kentucky, serving cities like Ashland and Pikeville. |
| 859 | Lexington and Northern Kentucky | Primarily serves the Lexington metropolitan area and northern Kentucky, including cities like Lexington and Covington. |
Largest Cities in Kentucky with area codes
Quick overview of large cities, their area codes, and some historical context for each in Kentucky.
| Name | Area Code | History and Details |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 502 | Kentucky's largest city, known for its vibrant arts scene, historical districts, and the Kentucky Derby, a famous horse racing event. |
| Lexington | 859 | The second-largest city in Kentucky, renowned for horse breeding and equestrian events, as well as the University of Kentucky. |
| Bowling Green | 270 | Kentucky's third-largest city, famous for the National Corvette Museum and Mammoth Cave National Park. |
| Owensboro | 270 | Known for its bluegrass music heritage and the International Bluegrass Music Museum. |
| Covington | 859 | A city in northern Kentucky, part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area, with a rich history and historic districts. |
| Frankfort | 502 | The state capital of Kentucky, known for the Kentucky State Capitol and its historical significance. |
| Hopkinsville | 270 | Famous for its annual Solar Eclipse Festival and as a prime location to view the 2017 total eclipse. |
| Richmond | 859 | Home to Eastern Kentucky University and offering a blend of history and outdoor activities. |