Area code 606 covers Ashland and surrounding areas in Kentucky. It was activated in 1954 as an overlay of area code 502. For the full picture, see all Kentucky area codes.
| State | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Ashland |
| Cities also served | Ashland, Somerset, Pikeville, Hazard, Middlesboro, Morehead, Paintsville, Corbin |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | January 1, 1955 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 502 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 606
Area code 606 serves Eastern Kentucky — the Appalachian coalfields region, spanning the state's borders with Virginia and West Virginia, including the following cities and communities:
- Ashland
- Somerset
- Pikeville
- Hazard
- Middlesboro
- Morehead
- Paintsville
- Corbin
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 502, 270, 364, 859.
How to Get a 606 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 606 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 606 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 606 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 606 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 606 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 606 number. If you already have a 606 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 Kentucky sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 606 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 606 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 606 numbers for Ashland, Kentucky — 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 606 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 606 area code still in use?
Yes. 606 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Eastern Kentucky — the Appalachian coalfields region, spanning the state’s borders with Virginia and West Virginia.
What is the parent area code of 606?
Area code 606 is an overlay of 502. Both codes serve the same region of Kentucky.
Can I get a 606 number if I don't live in Kentucky?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 606 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 606 a scam area code?
No. 606 is a legitimate, active area code for Eastern Kentucky — the Appalachian coalfields region, spanning the state’s borders with Virginia and West Virginia. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 606 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Kentucky businesses, government offices, and residents.
What part of Kentucky does the 606 area code cover?
Area code 606 covers the eastern half of south-central and eastern Kentucky, including the Eastern Kentucky Coalfield region. Major cities include Ashland, Somerset, Pikeville, Hazard, Middlesboro, Morehead, Paintsville, Maysville, London, and Corbin.
When was area code 606 created, and where did it come from?
Area code 606 was created in 1954 as a split from area code 502, which originally covered all of Kentucky. It went into service on January 1, 1955, and initially encompassed the entire eastern half of the state as far west as Lexington.
Why did eastern Kentucky keep 606 instead of getting the new 859 code?
When the 1999 split created area code 859 for Lexington and Northern Kentucky, regulators chose to let the rural eastern counties keep 606. The Kentucky Public Service Commission and BellSouth determined that forcing number changes on one of the poorest regions in the country would impose an undue financial burden on residents and businesses.
Does area code 606 have any overlays?
No. As of 2026, area code 606 has no overlay codes and remains the sole area code serving its territory. Seven-digit local dialing is still permitted in most of the 606 region.
