Kentucky · Eastern Time
502 Area Code
Area code 502 is in Kentucky, serving Louisville metro and north-central Kentucky including Frankfort. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 761, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 502 area code?
502 is a Kentucky area code covering Louisville metro and north-central Kentucky including Frankfort. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 502 area code
- Louisville
- Jeffersontown
- Frankfort
- Shelbyville
- Shepherdsville
- St. Matthews
- Bardstown
- La Grange
- Mount Washington
- Lyndon
Counties served by 502
Jefferson County, Bullitt County, Oldham County, Shelby County, Franklin County, Nelson County, Spencer County, Henry County and Anderson County.
Time zone note: Eastern in Louisville, Lexington and the east; Central in the west (Bowling Green, Paducah).
502 overlay codes and dialing
The 502 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 502, 761. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 502. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 502 area code
502 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, when AT&T and Bell Laboratories created the North American Numbering Plan and divided the country into the first 86 numbering plan areas. It has served the Louisville area ever since, with 761 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 502 a scam or spam risk?
502 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 502 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Louisville, KY or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Kentucky area codes
Explore more
See every code in Kentucky, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 5XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
502 area code FAQ
Where is the 502 area code?
The 502 area code is in Kentucky, covering Louisville metro and north-central Kentucky including Frankfort, in the South region.
What cities are in the 502 area code?
Cities in the 502 area code include Louisville, Jeffersontown, Frankfort, Shelbyville, Shepherdsville, St. Matthews, Bardstown, La Grange, Mount Washington and Lyndon.
What time zone is 502 in?
502 is in the Eastern Time zone. Eastern in Louisville, Lexington and the east; Central in the west (Bowling Green, Paducah).
What is the overlay for the 502 area code?
502 shares its territory with 761. Both codes (502, 761) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 502 area code start?
502 went into service on January 1, 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 502?
Yes. Because 502 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 502 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 502 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.