503 area code — Portland, OR geographic
The 503 area code covers Portland, Oregon, Pacific time zone, and dates back to January 1, 1947. It is part of the 503/971 overlay complex — these codes share the same territory. Note that porting and VoIP mean a 503 number can be used from anywhere — the code marks where the number was assigned.
784 central-office prefixes are currently active in this code, spread across 41 code-holding carriers. Thousands-block pooling applies to 366 prefixes, so a single prefix can belong to several carriers. Its prefixes map to 63 distinct rate centers.
NANPA projects numbering capacity for the 503/971 complex to exhaust in 1Q 2041.
Dialing: 10D locally, 10D to other codes.
Among Oregon codes, 503 stands out as the oldest area code in Oregon, in service since 1947.
If a 503 call asks for money or personal data, treat the displayed number as unverified: hang up and reach the organization through its published number. Numbering data locates numbers, not callers.
It has since spawned 541 (1995), 971 (2000).
Largest localities in 503
| Locality (rate center) | Active prefixes | Also served by |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | 347 | 971 |
| Beaverton | 107 | 971 |
| Salem | 74 | 971 |
| Clackamas | 49 | 971 |
| Stafford-sandy | 28 | 971 |
| Gresham | 21 | 971 |
| McMinnville | 13 | 971 |
| Sherwood | 8 | 971 |
| Dallas | 8 | 971 |
| Woodburn | 8 | 971 |
FAQ
Where is a 503 number from?
503 is assigned to Portland and surrounding areas of Oregon in the Pacific time zone. The three digits after the area code (the prefix) narrow it down to a rate center.
Is 503 a toll-free number?
No. 503 is a geographic code; calls are billed like any other domestic call. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Why do 971 and 503 cover the same place?
They are overlays: when a code runs low on numbers, a new code is added over the same territory instead of splitting it. The 503/971 complex shares one service area, and local calls are dialed with 10 digits.
Will 503 run out of numbers?
NANPA's current forecast projects exhaust in 1Q 2041 — decades of capacity remain.
Why am I getting spam calls from 503 numbers?
Scammers spoof recognizable area codes so calls look local or familiar. A displayed 503 number does not prove the call originated there — see our guide to spotting spoofed calls.