The search query “520 area code” is a geographical inquiry, typically from someone who received a call or is trying to establish contact in Southern Arizona.
The 520 area code is a geographic area code located in the U.S. state of Arizona, serving the large region of Southeastern Arizona. The code is most famously associated with the city of Tucson, the second-largest city in the state. Notably, the 520 area code does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
This article details the exact location, major cities, unique time zone status, and history of the 520 area code.
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Location and Geographic Coverage
The 520 area code was created in 1995 when it split from Arizona’s original statewide code, 602, to accommodate the state’s rapid population growth.
Primary Location and Time Zone
- State: Arizona (AZ), United States.
- Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST), year-round.
Arizona’s Unique DST Status
Arizona is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). This means:
- In Winter (MST): The time is the same as Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST).
- In Summer (No DST): The time remains MST, making it three hours behind the U.S. East Coast (EDT) and one hour ahead of the U.S. West Coast (PDT). Always check the current time difference before placing a call, especially between March and November.
Major Cities and Counties Covered
The 520 area code covers a large, diverse region of Southern Arizona, anchored by its major metropolitan center:
- Tucson: The primary city and cultural hub.
- Casa Grande
- Nogales: A key city on the U.S.–Mexico border, crucial for international trade.
- Sierra Vista: Home to Fort Huachuca, a major U.S. military installation.
- Oro Valley
- Marana
- Counties: Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and large portions of Pinal County.
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History and Nearby Area Codes
The 520 code was reduced in size in 2001 when the northern and western parts of the region were split off to create the 928 area code.
Neighboring Arizona Area Codes
The 520 area code borders three major area code regions, all of which serve the rest of Arizona:
| Area Code | Location | Relationship to 520 |
| 602 | Central Phoenix (Original Code) | Separated (Split off from 602). |
| 480/623 | Phoenix Suburbs | These codes overlay the Phoenix suburbs. |
| 928 | Northern & Western Arizona | Separated (Split off from 520 in 2001). |
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Security and Identity
The 520 area code is a common, legitimate geographical identifier for Southern Arizona.
- Local Identity: For businesses and residents, the 520 prefix strongly establishes a local presence in the Tucson and Southern Arizona market.
- Scam Risk: As with any major US area code, the 520 code is frequently used by scammers using caller ID spoofing to trick residents into answering calls. Always be cautious of unsolicited calls, even if the area code appears local.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the 520 area code require 10-digit dialing?
No. The 520 area code is currently a single code area with no overlay planned or active. Therefore, 7-digit dialing is still technically used for local calls within the 520 area code. However, it is always best practice to dial 10 digits (520 + 7-digit number) for all calls to ensure compatibility with mobile and business systems.
Is the 520 area code subject to the ‘one-ring’ scam?
The “one-ring” scam typically targets numbers with international codes, though 520 numbers are frequently spoofed in other common scams (e.g., auto warranty or IRS scams). Never call back an unknown number, and check your phone’s screen for warnings like “Spam Risk.”
What is the closest major city to 520 in Mexico?
The 520 area code borders Mexico. The closest major city in the Mexican state of Sonora is Nogales, Mexico, which shares a border crossing with Nogales, Arizona (which is in the 520 area code).
