Area code 479 covers Fort Smith and surrounding areas in Arkansas. It was activated in 2002 as an overlay of area code 501. For the full picture, see all Arkansas area codes.
| State | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Fort Smith |
| Cities also served | Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Russellville, Siloam Springs, Van Buren |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | January 19, 2002 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 501 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 479
Area code 479 serves Northwestern Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley, encompassing Benton, Washington, Sebastian, Crawford, and surrounding counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Fort Smith
- Fayetteville
- Springdale
- Rogers
- Bentonville
- Russellville
- Siloam Springs
- Van Buren
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 501, 870, 327.
How to Get a 479 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 479 area code, each suited to a different need:
Ready to Get a 479 Number?
One-time fee. No monthly charges. Port to any carrier in 3–5 business days. NYC's most trusted source since 2009.
Browse 479 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 479 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 479 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 479 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 479 number. If you already have a 479 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of Arkansas sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 479 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 479 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 479 numbers for Fort Smith, Arkansas — choose your number, port it to any carrier in 3–5 business days, and pay a one-time fee with no monthly charges. Browse available 479 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 479 area code still in use?
Yes. 479 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Northwestern Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley, encompassing Benton, Washington, Sebastian, Crawford, and surrounding counties.
What is the parent area code of 479?
Area code 479 is an overlay of 501. Both codes serve the same region of Arkansas.
Can I get a 479 number if I don't live in Arkansas?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 479 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 479 a scam area code?
No. 479 is a legitimate, active area code for Northwestern Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley, encompassing Benton, Washington, Sebastian, Crawford, and surrounding counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 479 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Arkansas businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are covered by area code 479?
Area code 479 covers Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Russellville, Siloam Springs, Van Buren, and dozens of other communities across northwestern Arkansas.
When was area code 479 created?
Area code 479 went into service on January 19, 2002, as a geographic split from area code 501, which had previously served all of Arkansas.
Does area code 479 have an overlay?
No. As of 2026, area code 479 has no overlay and remains the sole area code for its northwestern Arkansas territory.
What major companies are headquartered in the 479 area code?
The 479 region is home to Walmart and Sam’s Club (Bentonville), Tyson Foods (Springdale), J.B. Hunt Transport Services (Lowell), and the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), making it one of Arkansas’s primary economic centers.
