Area Code Atlas

NPA 502 assigned to Kentucky

Kentucky was assigned area code 502 in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan, covering the entire state.

Establishment of area code 502 for Kentucky

In October 1947, area code 502 was established as one of the original North American area codes, initially assigned to the entire state of Kentucky.

Creation of area code 606 from 502

In 1954, Kentucky's eastern region was assigned area code 606, splitting from the original 502 area code. This split initially comprised the entire eastern half of Kentucky, including Lexington and Northern Kentucky, reducing 502 to the central and western portions of the state.

Jeopardy Conservation Procedures Announced for Kentucky NPA 502

NPA 270 split from 502

Area code 270 was assigned to the western half of Kentucky in 1999, splitting from area code 502 to address number exhaustion and accommodate growing demand.

NANP-Split of 502 Numbering Plan Area (NPA) in Kentucky

NPA 270 split from 502

Area code 270 was created in February 1999 as a split from area code 502, covering the western and south central parts of Kentucky. The split generally followed the boundary between the Eastern and Central time zones, with 270 assigned to the Central Time Zone portion.

Area code 270 split from 502 for western Kentucky

On April 19, 1999, area code 270 was created in a geographic split from area code 502. The split assigned 270 to western Kentucky, while 502 continued to serve the Louisville region. A permissive dialing period began on this date, allowing calls to the new 270 region to be completed using either the 502 or 270 code.

Permissive dialing period begins for 270 split from 502

A permissive dialing period for the new 270 area code began on April 19, 1999, allowing calls to be completed using either 502 or 270 until November 1, 1999.

Approval of area code 761 overlay for 502

On August 19, 2025, the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved the addition of area code 761 as an overlay for the 502 numbering plan area. This overlay was planned to avert the forecasted exhaustion of central office codes in the 502 area, projected for the third quarter of 2027.

Overlay of area code 502 with 761 planned

On August 19, 2025, the Kentucky Public Service Commission announced the addition of area code 761 as an overlay for the 502 region to prevent exhaustion of central office codes.