Area code 501 is an area code that covers the central part of Arkansas, including the capital Little Rock. Originally, it covered the entire state of Arkansas. 501 area code is one of the original 86 North America Numbering Plan area codes established in 1947. As population increased, area codes 479 and 870 were added to the state of Arkansas. Area code 870 covers South Arkansas as well as Northeast Arkansas, while 479 area code covers northwest Arkansas.