509 area code

The 509 area code is a telephone area code in the United States that covers the eastern and central parts of Washington state. It was first established on January 1, 1957 as one of the original three area codes in the state. The 509 area code covers a large geographical area, encompassing a total of 38 counties and over 125 cities and towns.

The 509 area code is a part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which also includes area codes for the United States, Canada, and many Caribbean countries. In recent years, the 509 area code has undergone changes due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers. In 2017, the area code was split, and the new area code 564 was added to the area covered by 509. However, both area codes now serve the same geographic region.

Counties that Use “509 Area Code”

The 509 area code covers a large part of Washington state, including 38 counties. These counties are Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Klickitat, Kittitas, Lincoln, Walla Walla, Whitman, Yakima, and parts of Spokane, Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Okanogan, King, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Clallam, Jefferson, Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Grays Harbor, and Clallam.

The 509 area code also includes parts of the Yakama and Colville Indian Reservations. The 509 area code is unique in the sense that it covers both the eastern and central parts of the state, making it the only area code in Washington to do so.

Major Cities that Use “509 Area Code”

The 509 area code covers a large number of cities and towns, including the major cities of Spokane, Yakima, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. These cities are all located in the central and eastern parts of Washington state, and are home to a combined population of over 500,000 people.

Other major cities and towns that use the 509 area code include Walla Walla, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Pullman, and Sunnyside. These cities are all important centers of commerce, education, and tourism, and help to make the 509 area code a diverse and vibrant region.

All Cities & Towns that Use “509 Area Code” – Map and Population

As mentioned earlier, the 509 area code covers a large geographical area, with over 125 cities and towns spread across 38 counties. The map above shows the approximate boundaries of the 509 area code, along with the location of major cities and towns within its borders.

According to the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of the 509 area code is over 2.5 million people. The most populous city within the area code is Spokane, with a population of over 200,000. Other major cities and towns with populations over 50,000 include Yakima, Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.

The smallest community within the 509 area code is the town of Hamilton, with a population of only 179 people. However, the 509 area code is also home to many small and rural communities, with a total of over 270,000 people living in unincorporated areas. These communities are spread out across the vast and diverse landscape of eastern and central Washington state.

Geography of the 509 Area Code

The 509 area code covers a diverse and expansive region, with a total land area of over 49,000 square miles. This area is larger than the entire state of Pennsylvania and is home to a diverse landscape that includes mountains, forests, deserts, and fertile valleys.

The eastern part of the 509 area code is dominated by the Columbia River, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. The river flows through the cities of Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Pasco, and Kennewick, providing water for irrigation, recreation, and hydropower.

To the west of the Columbia River lies the Cascade Mountain Range, which is home to several active and dormant volcanoes, including Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. The western part of the 509 area code is also known as the Palouse region, which is characterized by its rolling hills and fertile farmland.

Climate of the 509 Area Code

The 509 area code experiences a wide variety of climates, due to its large size and diverse landscape. The eastern part of the area code is mostly classified as a semi-arid steppe climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The western part of the area code has a humid continental climate, with milder summers and colder winters.

The Columbia Basin, located in the central part of the 509 area code, has an arid desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. This region is known for its sunny and dry weather, with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. On the other hand, the mountains in the western part of the area code receive much more rainfall and snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Tourism in the 509 Area Code

The 509 area code is home to a diverse range of tourist attractions, thanks to its unique geography and history. The area code is well-known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and camping. The Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River, and the numerous state and national parks within the area code offer a wide range of options for outdoor enthusiasts.

The cities of Spokane, Yakima, and Walla Walla are popular destinations for food and wine lovers, with a thriving culinary scene and a large number of wineries and breweries. Spokane is also home to several major events and festivals, including Bloomsday, the Lilac Festival, and Hoopfest.

Other popular tourist destinations in the 509 area code include the Grand Coulee Dam, the largest concrete dam in the United States, and the Hanford Site, a decommissioned nuclear production complex which now serves as a museum and tourist attraction. The area code is also home to several Native American reservations, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the traditions and culture of the Yakama and Colville Tribes.

Education in the 509 Area Code

There are several colleges and universities within the 509 area code, including Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Whitworth University, and Walla Walla University. These institutions provide higher education opportunities for students from all over the region and offer a diverse range of academic programs.

In addition to these universities, the 509 area code also has many community and technical colleges, including Columbia Basin College, Yakima Valley College, and Spokane Community College. These colleges offer a variety of vocational and technical programs for students who want to gain practical skills and enter the workforce.

Healthcare in the 509 Area Code

The 509 area code has a well-developed healthcare system, with several hospitals and medical centers providing high-quality care to residents. Major hospitals within the area code include Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital in Yakima, and Trios Health in Kennewick.

In addition to these major hospitals, there are also many smaller community clinics and healthcare facilities scattered throughout the area code. The healthcare industry is an important source of employment within the area code, with thousands of healthcare professionals working in various roles, such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff.

Government and Administration in the 509 Area Code

The 509 area code is governed by a combination of federal, state, and local agencies. At the federal level, the area code falls under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. The area code is also home to the Yakama Nation Tribal Court and the Colville Tribal Court, which oversee legal matters within the respective reservations.

The state government of Washington is responsible for providing various services to residents of the 509 area code, such as education, healthcare, and transportation. Local governments, such as counties and cities, are responsible for providing services to their respective communities, including police and fire protection, zoning and land use regulations, and public works.

Recent Changes and Updates to the 509 Area Code

In 2017, the 509 area code underwent a major change when the new area code 564 was added to the region. The addition of this new area code was necessary due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region. However, both area codes now serve the same geographic region, and phone numbers within the 509 and 564 area codes have the same dialing requirements.

This change also resulted in the introduction of mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls within the 509 area code. This means that all phone calls, including calls within the same area code, must be dialed with the area code included to be connected. This change was implemented to ensure that all local calls, even those within the same area code, can be completed properly.

FAQs

1. Are there any plans to split the 509 area code again in the future?

As of now, there are no plans to split the 509 area code again. The addition of area code 564 has helped to meet the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region and has alleviated the need for a split. However, this could change in the future if the demand for telephone numbers continues to grow.

2. Do I need to change my phone number if I am in the 509 area code?

No, phone numbers in the 509 area code will not change. However, if you are adding a new line or getting a new phone number, you may be assigned a number with the new 564 area code.

3. How do I dial a number within the 509 area code?

To dial a local number within the 509 area code, you must dial the area code followed by the 7-digit phone number. For example, if the number is (509) 123-4567, you must dial 509-123-4567.

4. Are there any special rules for dialing outside of the 509 area code?

To dial outside of the 509 area code, you must dial 1 + the area code + the 7-digit phone number. For international calls, you must dial 011 + the country code + the area code + the phone number.

5. Can I still use my old phone without the area code?

As of 2017, all phone calls within the 509 area code require the use of the area code, even for local calls. This means that you must dial all 10 digits of the