503 Area Code: Portland, OR | Location & Time Zone

The 503 area code serves the Portland metropolitan area and northwestern Oregon, covering one of the Pacific Northwest’s most vibrant and economically significant regions. Established as one of Oregon’s original area codes, 503 remains a key telecommunications identifier for millions of residents and businesses throughout the greater Portland area and surrounding communities.

What is the 503 Area Code?

The 503 area code is a telephone area code serving Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding northwestern portion of the state. Originally created in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), 503 initially covered the entire state of Oregon. Today, it primarily serves the Portland metropolitan area, including parts of the Willamette Valley and Oregon’s northern coast. The area code encompasses major population centers and serves as the primary telecommunications identifier for Oregon’s largest city and its surrounding communities.

This area code covers Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Columbia, and Tillamook counties, among others. It represents a diverse region that includes urban centers, suburban communities, agricultural areas, and coastal towns. The 503 area code region is home to approximately 2.5 million people, making it one of the most densely populated area codes in the Pacific Northwest.

503 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 503 area code covers numerous cities and communities throughout northwestern Oregon. Portland, the state’s largest city, serves as the primary metropolitan center within this area code. Other major cities include Salem (the state capital), Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Tualatin, West Linn, Milwaukie, and Wilsonville.

Beyond the Portland metropolitan area, 503 extends westward to the Pacific Coast, covering coastal communities such as Seaside, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, and Astoria. The area code also includes McMinnville, Newberg, Forest Grove, and Woodburn in the Willamette Valley. St. Helens, Scappoose, and Columbia City along the Columbia River are also part of the 503 coverage area.

The region encompasses diverse landscapes, from the urban core of Portland to the beaches of the Oregon Coast, from the wine country of Yamhill County to the historic port city of Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. This geographic diversity makes the 503 area code one of the most varied in terms of economic activity, culture, and lifestyle.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 503 area code coverage area extends approximately 110 miles from east to west and roughly 90 miles from north to south. The northern boundary follows the Columbia River along the Washington-Oregon border, while the southern boundary extends to the northern portions of Marion and Polk counties. The western edge reaches the Pacific Ocean, and the eastern boundary encompasses the western slopes of the Cascade Range foothills.

Time Zone Information

The entire 503 area code region operates on Pacific Time, which is three hours behind Eastern Time. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November, during which clocks are set one hour ahead. This time zone alignment is consistent across all communities within the 503 area code, simplifying business operations and communications throughout the region.

503 Area Code Details

History of 503 Area Code

When Was 503 Created?

The 503 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes created under the North American Numbering Plan. At its inception, 503 covered the entire state of Oregon, serving all residents and businesses from the Pacific Coast to the Idaho border. This coverage remained unchanged for nearly five decades, reflecting Oregon’s relatively modest population growth during the mid-20th century.

The area code served Oregon exclusively until 1995, when rapid population growth and the proliferation of telecommunications devices necessitated a split. The creation of area code 541 in 1995 marked the first division of Oregon’s telephone numbering resources, with 503 retaining the northwestern portion of the state, including Portland and Salem, while 541 took over central, southern, and eastern Oregon.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

As the Portland metropolitan area continued to experience significant growth in the late 1990s, the supply of available phone numbers within the 503 area code began to dwindle. To address this shortage, the Oregon Public Utility Commission and telecommunications providers implemented area code 971 as an overlay to 503 on October 1, 2000. This overlay meant that new phone numbers in the same geographic area would receive the 971 area code, while existing 503 numbers remained unchanged.

The implementation of the 971 overlay required all callers within the region to dial 10 digits (area code plus seven-digit number) for all local calls, even when calling within the same area code. This change marked a significant shift in local dialing habits and remains in effect today. Both 503 and 971 area codes serve the identical geographic region, and new phone number assignments are distributed between both codes based on availability.

How to Call 503 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

When making calls within the 503 area code region, you must dial all 10 digits: the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. The format is 503-XXX-XXXX or 971-XXX-XXXX, depending on the number you’re calling. Since the implementation of the 971 overlay in 2000, seven-digit dialing is no longer sufficient for local calls. You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls within the region, though doing so will not prevent the call from connecting.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 503 number from outside the area code but within the United States or Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and seven-digit number: 1-503-XXX-XXXX. This long-distance format applies whether you’re calling from another Oregon area code (such as 541) or from anywhere else in the North American Numbering Plan area. The “1” prefix indicates a long-distance call and is required by most carriers for calls outside your local area code.

International Dialing

To call a 503 area code number from outside the United States, dial your country’s international access code (often 00 or 011), followed by the U.S. country code (1), then the area code and seven-digit number. The complete format is: +1-503-XXX-XXXX. For example, from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00-1-503-XXX-XXXX. From Mexico, you would dial 00-1-503-XXX-XXXX. The plus sign (+) in international notation represents whatever international access code is used in the originating country.

Nearby Area Codes

The 503 area code shares borders with several other area codes in the Pacific Northwest. To the north, across the Columbia River, lies Washington state’s 360 area code (with its 564 overlay), serving Vancouver and Southwest Washington. Many residents in this area work in Portland, creating a significant cross-border commuting pattern. To the south and east, the 541 area code (with its 458 overlay) covers the remainder of Oregon, including Salem, Eugene, Bend, and Medford.

Population & Demographics

The 503 area code region is home to approximately 2.5 million people, representing more than 60% of Oregon’s total population. Portland, the largest city in the area code with a population exceeding 650,000 within city limits and over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, serves as the economic and cultural hub of the Pacific Northwest. The region has experienced consistent population growth over the past several decades, driven by a robust economy, natural amenities, and quality of life factors.

The demographic composition of the 503 area code region is diverse and reflects broader West Coast trends. The area is known for its relatively young, educated population with a median age in the mid-30s. The Portland metropolitan area has attracted significant migration from other parts of the United States, particularly California, contributing to its growth and cultural evolution. The region’s economy is diverse, with major sectors including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, education, professional services, and outdoor recreation industries.

Key economic drivers within the 503 area code include Intel’s significant operations in Hillsboro, Nike’s world headquarters in Beaverton, Columbia Sportswear, Adidas North America, and a thriving cluster of software and technology companies. The Port of Portland facilitates international trade, while the region’s agricultural sector, particularly wine production in Yamhill County, contributes significantly to the local economy. The 503 area code region consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in the United States, with strong job markets, excellent educational institutions, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in the 503 area?

Yes, you must dial all 10 digits (area code plus seven-digit number) for all calls within the 503/971 area code region, even for local calls. This requirement was implemented when the 971 overlay was introduced in 2000. Seven-digit dialing no longer works for local calls in this area.

What’s the difference between 503 and 971 area codes?

There is no geographic difference between 503 and 971 area codes—they cover the exact same region in northwestern Oregon. The 971 area code was added as an overlay in 2000 to provide additional phone numbers as the supply of 503 numbers was being exhausted. New phone numbers are assigned using either area code based on availability, and both function identically.

Is 503 only for Portland, or does it cover other areas?

While Portland is the largest city in the 503 area code, the coverage extends far beyond the city limits. The 503 area code serves all of northwestern Oregon, including coastal communities like Astoria and Seaside, cities in the Willamette Valley such as Salem and McMinnville, and numerous suburban communities surrounding Portland. The coverage area spans multiple counties across northwestern Oregon.

When was the 503 area code created?

The 503 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. It initially covered the entire state of Oregon until 1995, when it was split to create the 541 area code for central, southern, and eastern Oregon.

Are 503 numbers running out?

The implementation of the 971 overlay in 2000 significantly extended the life of available phone numbers in the region. While growth continues, the dual area code system provides sufficient numbering resources for the foreseeable future. Telecommunications authorities monitor number availability and can implement additional measures if needed in the future.

Can I choose between a 503 or 971 number?

When obtaining a new phone line, you may be able to request a preference for either a 503 or 971 number, but availability depends on your service provider’s inventory. Many businesses and long-time residents prefer 503 numbers due to their longer history and recognition, though both area codes function identically and serve the same geographic area.

Conclusion

The 503 area code remains an essential telecommunications identifier for northwestern Oregon and the Portland metropolitan area. From its establishment in 1947 to the present day, this area code has evolved alongside the region’s growth, adapting through the addition of the 971 overlay to meet increasing demand. Whether you’re calling locally, from elsewhere in the United States, or internationally, understanding the 503 area code helps you connect with one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic regions. For more information about time zones and telecommunications, visit CheckDateTime.com for current local times around the world, explore our timer tools for various timing needs, or check our comprehensive guides section for additional resources.