602 Area Code: Phoenix, AZ | Location & Time Zone
The 602 area code is one of Arizona’s original telephone area codes, serving the heart of Phoenix and its central metropolitan area. Established in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan, the 602 area code has become synonymous with downtown Phoenix and remains one of the most recognizable area codes in the southwestern United States. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 602 area code, including its coverage area, time zone information, history, and dialing instructions.
What is the 602 Area Code?
The 602 area code is a geographic telephone area code serving central Phoenix, Arizona, and several surrounding communities in Maricopa County. Originally covering the entire state of Arizona when it was first introduced in 1947, the 602 area code has undergone several splits and modifications to accommodate the region’s explosive population growth. Today, it primarily serves the downtown Phoenix area, including the central business district and several adjacent neighborhoods.
As one of the 86 original area codes established by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947, the 602 area code has historical significance in telecommunications. The area code covers approximately 230 square miles in the Phoenix metropolitan area and serves hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses in Arizona’s capital city.
602 Area Code Location & Coverage
Cities and Regions Covered
The 602 area code primarily covers central Phoenix and select portions of the surrounding metropolitan area. Major areas within the 602 area code include downtown Phoenix, Midtown Phoenix, South Phoenix, and parts of North Phoenix. The coverage area extends to several neighboring communities including Paradise Valley, portions of Glendale, Tempe, and Scottsdale that fall within the central region.
Key landmarks and districts within the 602 area code include the Arizona State Capitol, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona State University’s downtown campus, Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks), and the Phoenix Convention Center. The area code also covers many of Phoenix’s historic neighborhoods, major hospitals, and the central business district where numerous Fortune 500 companies maintain offices.
Geographic Coverage Map
The 602 area code occupies the central core of the Phoenix metropolitan area, roughly bounded by the I-17 freeway to the west, the Loop 101 to the north and east, and extending south to portions of South Mountain. The coverage area is characterized by dense urban development, including high-rise buildings, government offices, medical facilities, and residential neighborhoods. This central location makes 602 one of the most commercially significant area codes in Arizona.
Time Zone Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| UTC Offset | UTC-7 (year-round) |
| Current Time | Loading… |
| Observes DST | No |
Arizona is unique among U.S. states because it does not observe Daylight Saving Time, with the exception of the Navajo Nation. This means that the 602 area code remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST) throughout the entire year, maintaining a consistent UTC-7 offset. During the summer months when most of the United States observes Daylight Saving Time, Arizona is on the same time as Pacific Daylight Time. For those tracking current local times around the world, this consistency makes Arizona time calculations straightforward throughout the year.
602 Area Code Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Area Code | 602 |
| State | Arizona |
| Major City | Phoenix |
| Established | 1947 |
| Type | Geographic |
| Overlay Codes | 623 (surrounding areas), 480 (East Valley) |
History of 602 Area Code
When Was 602 Created?
The 602 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes created under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Initially, 602 covered the entire state of Arizona, serving all communities from the Grand Canyon to the Mexican border. This single area code served Arizona’s population for nearly five decades, reflecting the state’s relatively small population during the mid-20th century.
The creation of area codes in 1947 was a revolutionary development in telecommunications, replacing the previous operator-assisted long-distance calling system with direct-dial capabilities. The 602 area code became an integral part of Arizona’s identity, appearing on business cards, advertisements, and letterheads across the state for generations.
Area Code Changes and Overlays
The first major change to the 602 area code occurred in 1995 when Arizona’s rapid population growth necessitated a split. The 520 area code was created to serve southern Arizona, including Tucson, while 602 retained coverage of the Phoenix metropolitan area and northern Arizona. This split reflected Arizona’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
In 1999, further population growth led to another division. The 602 area code was reduced to cover only central Phoenix and immediate surrounding areas, while the newly created 623 area code took over the western and northwestern Phoenix suburbs, and 480 assumed coverage of the eastern Phoenix suburbs and communities like Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. This geographic split created the current configuration, with 602 occupying the prestigious central Phoenix location.
The 602 area code has remained stable since the 1999 split, though neighboring area codes have received overlays. In 2001, the 928 area code was created to serve northern and western Arizona, which had previously been part of 520. These changes have helped manage the region’s telecommunications needs while preserving the historic 602 area code for central Phoenix.
How to Call 602 Area Code
Dialing Within the Area Code
When making calls within the 602 area code region, you must use 10-digit dialing, which includes the area code followed by the seven-digit local number. The format is 602-XXX-XXXX. Even for local calls within the same area code, you cannot use seven-digit dialing due to the presence of nearby overlay area codes in the Phoenix metropolitan area. This 10-digit dialing requirement has been mandatory in the Phoenix area since the late 1990s and applies to all local calls.
Dialing From Other Area Codes
When calling a 602 area code number from another area code within the United States, you must dial 1 followed by the full 10-digit number. The complete format is 1-602-XXX-XXXX. This applies whether you’re calling from within Arizona using a different area code (such as 520 or 928) or from any other state. The “1” prefix indicates a long-distance call within the North American Numbering Plan, even though many calling plans now include nationwide calling without additional charges.
International Dialing
To call a 602 area code number from outside the United States, you must first dial your country’s international access code (often 00 or 011), followed by the U.S. country code (1), and then the complete 10-digit number. The format is +1-602-XXX-XXXX or 011-1-602-XXX-XXXX, depending on your location. For those using timer tools to coordinate international calls, remember that Arizona remains on UTC-7 throughout the year, making it easier to schedule calls without accounting for Daylight Saving Time changes.
Nearby Area Codes
| Area Code | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 623 | Glendale, Peoria, AZ | 10-15 miles |
| 480 | Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, AZ | 8-20 miles |
| 520 | Tucson, Southern Arizona | 110 miles |
| 928 | Flagstaff, Northern Arizona | 140 miles |
The Phoenix metropolitan area is surrounded by several area codes that serve different regions. The 623 and 480 area codes are immediately adjacent to 602, creating a comprehensive telecommunications network for the greater Phoenix area. Together, these three area codes serve a population of over 4.5 million people in the Phoenix metropolitan region, making it one of the largest urban areas in the southwestern United States.
Population & Demographics
The 602 area code serves a diverse and dynamic population in central Phoenix. While the geographic area covered by 602 is relatively compact compared to other Arizona area codes, it encompasses some of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the state. The area includes approximately 500,000 to 600,000 residents, though the daytime population swells significantly due to commuters working in downtown Phoenix’s business district.
The 602 area code region represents the historic and cultural heart of Phoenix, with a rich demographic mix that includes established urban neighborhoods, revitalized downtown districts, and growing residential communities. The area is home to major employers in government, healthcare, education, finance, and technology sectors. Major institutions within the 602 area code include Arizona State University’s downtown campus, Banner Health facilities, numerous law firms, and the headquarters of several prominent Arizona companies.
The economy within the 602 area code is robust and diverse, with particular strength in professional services, healthcare, education, and government sectors. The area code region has seen significant urban renewal and development over the past two decades, with billions of dollars invested in downtown Phoenix infrastructure, residential developments, and commercial projects. This economic vitality has maintained strong demand for telephone numbers within the 602 area code, making it one of the most sought-after area codes in Arizona for business purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 602 a toll-free area code?
No, 602 is not a toll-free area code. It is a standard geographic area code serving central Phoenix, Arizona. Toll-free area codes in North America include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. Calls to 602 numbers are charged according to your phone service plan, though most modern plans include unlimited nationwide calling.
What is the difference between 602, 623, and 480 area codes?
These three area codes serve different geographic regions of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The 602 area code covers central Phoenix and the downtown core. The 623 area code serves the western and northwestern suburbs including Glendale, Peoria, and Sun City. The 480 area code covers the eastern Phoenix suburbs including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler. All three were created from splits of the original 602 area code that once covered all of Arizona.
Can I still get a 602 phone number?
Yes, 602 phone numbers are still available, though availability may vary depending on specific exchanges within the area code. The 602 area code has not required an overlay, and new numbers continue to be assigned to residents and businesses in central Phoenix. However, given the prestige associated with the 602 area code as Phoenix’s original area code, some number combinations may be in higher demand than others.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Phoenix?
Yes, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls in the Phoenix metropolitan area, including local calls. You must dial the area code (602, 623, or 480) followed by the seven-digit phone number, even when calling within the same area code. This requirement has been in place since the late 1990s due to the multiple area codes serving the region.
Does Arizona observe Daylight Saving Time?
No, Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, with the exception of the Navajo Nation in the northeastern part of the state. The 602 area code remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC-7) year-round. This means during the summer months, Arizona is on the same time as Pacific Daylight Time, and during winter months, it shares the same time as Mountain Standard Time. For more information about time zones and scheduling, visit our blog guides section.
What cities are covered by the 602 area code?
The 602 area code primarily covers central Phoenix, including downtown Phoenix, Midtown Phoenix, and South Phoenix. It also includes Paradise Valley and portions of neighboring communities that fall within the central Phoenix region. The area code serves the historic core of the Phoenix metropolitan area where the city was originally founded.
When was the 602 area code established?
The 602 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes created under the North American Numbering Plan. It initially covered the entire state of Arizona before being split multiple times due to population growth, with the most recent configuration dating to 1999 when it was reduced to cover only central Phoenix.
Conclusion
The 602 area code represents more than just a telephone prefix—it’s a symbol of Phoenix’s rich history and continued growth as a major American metropolitan area. From its origins in 1947 as Arizona’s only area code to its current role serving the heart of Phoenix, the 602 area code has adapted to meet the telecommunications needs of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, understanding the 602 area code helps you navigate communications in central Phoenix effectively. With its strategic location in Mountain Standard Time and year-round consistency without Daylight Saving Time, the 602 area code offers straightforward time zone management for personal and business communications across the southwestern United States.
