The 971 area code is an overlay serving northwest Oregon, including the Portland metropolitan area and Salem. Introduced in 2000, it was layered directly on top of the established 503 area code to supply fresh phone numbers across the most populous part of the state.
Quick Summary of the 971 Area Code
| Area Code | 971 |
| State | Oregon (OR) |
| Region | Northwest Oregon (Portland Metro & Salem) |
| Major Cities | Portland, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, McMinnville |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – PST / PDT |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Geographic Coverage
The 971 area code shares an identical footprint with 503, covering Portland and its suburbs of Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Lake Oswego, along with the state capital of Salem and McMinnville in the Willamette Valley. Because it is an overlay rather than a separate region, a 971 number and a 503 number can exist on the same street.
Time Zone
The 971 area code observes Pacific Time (PT). Clocks follow Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8) in winter and shift to Pacific Daylight Time (UTC−7) from mid-March through early November. This region shares the same clock as California and the rest of the West Coast, so a 9:00 AM call from Los Angeles reaches a 971 number at 9:00 AM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 971 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 971 Number
Because area code 971 operates as part of an overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local and long-distance call. You must dial the full 10-digit number (971 + the seven-digit line number) even when calling a neighbor across the street. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 971, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 971 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 971 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Portland, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, McMinnville should stay alert to the following common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Threatening calls demanding immediate tax payment via gift cards or wire transfer. |
| Utility Shut-off | Impostors claiming to be Portland General Electric threatening to cut power. |
| Tech Support Fraud | Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected and asking for remote access. |
| Prize / Lottery Scam | Calls saying you won a prize but must pay a “fee” or “tax” to claim it. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 971 number, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Do not share personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over the phone.
- Hang up and verify by calling the organization back using an official number from its website.
- Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection.
- Block the number and consider registering with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Red Flag: Legitimate agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your local utility company (Portland General Electric or Pacific Power) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 971 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 971 Region
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The 971 area code entered service in 2000 as an overlay for the entire 503 region. Overlays let regulators add a fresh supply of phone numbers to a crowded area without forcing existing customers to change their established numbers, so 971 covers precisely the same cities as 503. The regional economy is anchored by the “Silicon Forest” technology sector around Hillsboro, home to Intel’s largest campuses, and by the athletic-apparel industry led by Nike in Beaverton and Columbia Sportswear. Portland’s port, the OHSU healthcare system, state government in Salem, and the wine and agriculture of the Willamette Valley round out the economy. Because 971 is the newer of the two Portland-area codes, it appears most often on recently activated mobile numbers and new business lines.
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Looking Up a 971 Number
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To identify a 971 caller, use a reverse phone lookup or search the complete 10-digit number online. Because 971 is a newer code often used for mobile numbers, some callers may have a smaller public footprint, so never share personal or financial details with an unverified caller.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
Oregon is served by four area codes. If you are researching 971, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:
- 503 – Portland & Salem (overlay partner)
- 541 – Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon
- 458 – Central/Eastern/Southern Oregon overlay
You can also browse our full directory of Oregon area codes for more regional guides.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State – every area code across all 50 states in one directory.
Explore Neighboring States
Researching area codes just across the state line? Start with these codes in the states that border Oregon:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 971 area code located?
The 971 area code serves northwest Oregon as an overlay of 503, covering Portland, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, and Lake Oswego.
Why does 971 cover the same area as 503?
971 is an overlay added in 2000 because the 503 region ran short of available phone numbers. Both codes serve the exact same geographic area.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 971?
Yes. Overlay area codes like 971 always require 10-digit dialing for local calls.
Is the 971 area code Pacific Time?
Yes, the 971 area code follows Pacific Time (PST/PDT), like the rest of northwest Oregon.
Related 971 Guides
- Is a 971 call safe? Read Is area code 971 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Portland area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.