The 541 area code serves the majority of the state of Oregon, covering all areas outside of the Portland metropolitan region, including major cities like Eugene, Bend, and Medford. It operates as an overlay with the 458 area code, meaning both codes serve the same vast geographic area.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 541 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the diverse communities it covers, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this expansive part of Oregon.
Where is the 541 Area Code Located?
The 541 area code is located in Oregon and covers a massive territory that includes the state’s southern, central, and eastern regions. It encompasses everything outside of the northwestern corner of the state (the Portland metro area, which uses area codes 503 and 971).
- State: Oregon
- Major Cities: Eugene, Bend, Medford, Corvallis
- Time Zone: The vast majority of the 541 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone (observing PST/PDT). However, a small portion of Malheur County in the far eastern part of the state officially observes the Mountain Time Zone.
The 541 area code shares its geographical boundaries with the 458 area code.
What Cities and Counties Use the 541 Area Code?
The 541 area code covers a wide range of Oregon’s most well-known cities and landscapes, from the Willamette Valley to the High Desert and the southern coast.
Major Cities in Area Code 541:
- Eugene
- Springfield
- Bend
- Medford
- Corvallis
- Albany
- Redmond
- Ashland
- Klamath Falls
- Pendleton
- The Dalles
The area code covers dozens of counties, including but not limited to Lane, Deschutes, Jackson, Linn, Benton, Douglas, Josephine, Klamath, and Umatilla.
History of the 541 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 503 area code originally covered all of Oregon. Due to population growth, the state was split in 1995, and area code 541 was created to serve the areas outside of the Portland region.
As demand for new phone numbers continued to rise, particularly for cell phones and other devices, the 541 area began to face number exhaustion. To solve this without a disruptive geographic split, an overlay plan was implemented. The new 458 area code was officially put into service in February 2010 to serve the same territory as 541.
The Requirement for 10-Digit Dialing
A key result of this overlay plan is that mandatory 10-digit dialing is in effect throughout the 541/458 region. Because two different area codes exist in the same location, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 541 and 458?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties across Oregon. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 458 numbers were issued to new customers starting in 2010.
What time zone is the 541 area code in?
The majority of the 541 area code is in the Pacific Time Zone. A small, easternmost portion of the state (primarily in Malheur County, including the city of Ontario) officially observes the Mountain Time Zone.
Does the 541 area code include Portland, Oregon?
No. The city of Portland and its surrounding suburbs (like Beaverton, Gresham, and Hillsboro) are located in the 503/971 area code region.
Is the 541 area code a scam?
No, 541 is a legitimate and official area code for the state of Oregon. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 541 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 541 area code covers the vast majority of Oregon’s land area, excluding the Portland metropolitan region. It serves a diverse range of cities, from Eugene and Corvallis in the west to Bend in the central high desert and Medford in the south. It is part of an overlay with the 458 area code, which makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls within this expansive and scenic part of the Pacific Northwest.
