The 539 Area Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know

The 539 area code is one of the most populous area codes in the United States, serving over 10 million people in the states of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. This area code is a vital part of the telecommunications infrastructure in these regions, providing essential communication services to businesses and residents alike.

Understanding the 539 Area Code

The 539 area code was created in 1997 as a split from the 606 area code, which had previously served the entire eastern portion of Kentucky. The 539 area code was assigned to the easternmost counties of Kentucky, including Pike, Floyd, Letcher, and Knott counties. In 2002, the 539 area code was expanded to include portions of Ohio and West Virginia, further increasing its population and geographic reach.

Today, the 539 area code serves the following regions:

• Kentucky: Pike, Floyd, Letcher, Knott, Magoffin, Martin, Johnson, Lawrence, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Morgan, Wolfe, Menifee, Bath, Rowan, Breathitt, Owsley, Clay, Laurel, and Jackson counties
• Ohio: Lawrence County
• West Virginia: Cabell County

Demographics and Population

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population served by the 539 area code is approximately 10.2 million people. This population is primarily concentrated in the urban areas of Ashland, Huntington, and Parkersburg. However, there are also significant rural populations in the Appalachian Mountains region.

The demographic breakdown of the 539 area code population is as follows:

• White: 95.2%
• Black: 2.9%
• Asian: 0.5%
• Native American: 0.3%
• Other: 1.1%

The median age in the 539 area code is 41.4 years, which is slightly higher than the national median age of 38.5 years. The area code has a higher proportion of people over the age of 65 (15.8%) compared to the national average (16.9%).

Economic Profile

The economy of the 539 area code region is primarily based on manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers in the area include:

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (Georgetown, KY)
• Ashland Global Holdings (Ashland, KY)
• Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV)
• Marshall University (Huntington, WV)
• Ohio University Southern (Ironton, OH)

The median household income in the 539 area code is approximately $50,000, which is slightly below the national median household income of $65,000. However, the cost of living in the area is also lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.

Transportation and Infrastructure

The 539 area code region is well-connected by major highways and railroads. Interstate 64 runs through the eastern portion of the area code, connecting it to Louisville, Cincinnati, and Charleston. Interstate 75 runs through the western portion of the area code, connecting it to Lexington, Dayton, and Detroit.

The area code is also served by several regional airports, including:

• Tri-State Airport (Huntington, WV)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Covington, KY)
• Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (Louisville, KY)

Public transportation options in the 539 area code region are limited. However, there are some bus services available in the larger cities.

Education and Healthcare

The 539 area code region has a strong educational system, with several colleges and universities located in the area. These institutions include:

• Marshall University (Huntington, WV)
• Ohio University Southern (Ironton, OH)
• Morehead State University (Morehead, KY)
• Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY)
• Ashland Community and Technical College (Ashland, KY)

The area code is also home to several major hospitals and healthcare providers, including:

• Cabell Huntington Hospital (Huntington, WV)
• St. Mary's Medical Center (Huntington, WV)
• King's Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY)
• Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (Russell, KY)

Arts and Culture

The 539 area code region has a rich arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and music venues. Some of the most notable cultural attractions in the area include:

• The Huntington Museum of Art (Huntington, WV)
• The Paramount Arts Center (Ashland, KY)
• The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences (Charleston, WV)
• The Kentucky Center for the Arts (Louisville, KY)

The area code is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• The Huntington Celtic Festival (Huntington, WV)
• The Kentucky Music Festival (Ashland, KY)
• The Ohio Valley Book Festival (Portsmouth, OH)

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: In 2016, a group of volunteers in Lawrence County, Kentucky, came together to create a community garden. The garden provides fresh produce to local residents, many of whom live in poverty. The garden has been a huge success, bringing the community together and improving the health of its residents.

Lesson: Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others.

Story 2: In 2018, a group of students at Ohio University Southern started a business called "Appalachian Innovations." The business sells products made by local artisans, such as jewelry, pottery, and soap. The business has been a success, providing income to local artisans and showcasing the region's unique culture.

Lesson: Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for economic development in rural areas.

Story 3: In 2020, a group of healthcare workers in Cabell County, West Virginia, came together to create a mobile health clinic. The clinic provides free healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents of the county. The clinic has been a lifeline for many people who otherwise would not have access to healthcare.

Lesson: Healthcare is a basic human right, and we must all do our part to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.

Tips and Tricks

• When calling a number in the 539 area code, be sure to dial the area code first, followed by the seven-digit phone number.
• If you are calling from outside the United States, you will need to dial the international dialing prefix (011) before the area code and phone number.
• The 539 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
• The cost of a call to the 539 area code will vary depending on your phone plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not forget to dial the area code when calling a number in the 539 area code.
• Do not dial the international dialing prefix (011) when calling from within the United States.
• Do not assume that all numbers in the 539 area code are located in Kentucky. Some numbers may be located in Ohio or West Virginia.

FAQs

1. What states does the 539 area code serve?
   - Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia
2. What is the population of the 539 area code region?
   - Approximately 10.2 million people
3. What is the median household income in the 539 area code region?
   - Approximately $50,000
4. What is the largest city in the 539 area code region?
   - Huntington, WV
5. What is the most populous county in the 539 area code region?
   - Cabell County, WV
6. What is the time zone in the 539 area code region?
   - Eastern Time Zone (ET)
7. How do I call a number in the 539 area code from outside the United States?
   - Dial the international dialing prefix (011), followed by the area code and phone number.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when calling a number in the 539 area code?
   - Forgetting to dial the area code
   - Dialing the international dialing prefix (011) when calling from within the United States
   - Assuming that all numbers in the 539 area code are located in Kentucky

Conclusion

The 539 area code is a vital part of the telecommunications infrastructure in eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio, and western West Virginia. This area code serves over 10 million people and provides essential communication services to businesses and residents alike. The region has a strong economy, a well-educated population, and a rich arts and culture scene. The people of the 539 area code are proud of their community and are always looking for ways to make it a