Introduction
If you’ve recently received a call from a 480 area code number or noticed this prefix while doing business research, you might be asking a simple but important question: What is area code 480?
The 480 area code is one of the most well-known and frequently searched phone area codes in the United States. It is closely associated with Arizona, especially the rapidly growing Phoenix metropolitan area. From local businesses and real estate firms to fintech startups and customer support centers, the 480 area code plays a major role in communication across the region.
In this in-depth, SEO-friendly guide, we’ll explain:
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What area code 480 is
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Where it is located
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Which cities and counties it serves
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Its history and background
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Time zone information
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Business and SEO value
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Scam awareness
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FAQs people search on Google
🚨 480 Area Code Scam Checker
Enter a phone number starting with 480 to check scam risk.
What Is Area Code 480?
Area code 480 is a telephone area code in the United States that serves the East Valley portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona.
📍 State: Arizona
🇺🇸 Country: United States
☎️ Type: Geographic area code
🕒 Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
It is primarily used for both landline and mobile phone numbers and is considered a legitimate and well-established U.S. area code.
Where Is Area Code 480 Located?
The 480 area code is located in central Arizona, specifically in the eastern suburbs of Phoenix, commonly known as the East Valley.
East Valley Areas Served by 480
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Mesa
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Scottsdale
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Tempe
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Chandler
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Gilbert
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Queen Creek
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Fountain Hills
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Apache Junction
These cities are part of Maricopa County, one of the most populated counties in the United States.
Cities Covered by Area Code 480
Major Cities Using the 480 Area Code
Mesa
Mesa is one of the largest cities in Arizona and a major hub for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Many residential and business numbers here use the 480 prefix.
Scottsdale
Known for luxury resorts, real estate, and tourism, Scottsdale businesses heavily prefer 480 numbers for local branding.
Tempe
Home to Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe uses 480 extensively for student housing, startups, and service businesses.
Chandler
A fast-growing tech and semiconductor hub with strong demand for local phone numbers under area code 480.
Counties Served by Area Code 480
The 480 area code primarily serves:
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Maricopa County
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Parts of Pinal County
Maricopa County includes Phoenix and most surrounding suburbs, making 480 one of Arizona’s most active area codes.
History of Area Code 480
When Was Area Code 480 Created?
Area code 480 was introduced in 1999.
Originally, the entire Phoenix area used area code 602. As population growth surged in Arizona—especially during the 1990s—new area codes became necessary.
Why Was Area Code 480 Introduced?
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Rapid population growth in Phoenix suburbs
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Increased demand for phone numbers
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Expansion of mobile phones and businesses
The solution was to split the region:
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602 → Central Phoenix
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480 → East Valley
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623 → West Valley
Phoenix Area Codes Explained (602, 480, 623)
| Area Code | Coverage Area |
|---|---|
| 602 | Central Phoenix |
| 480 | East Valley |
| 623 | West Valley |
This system allows better number management and geographic identification.
What Time Zone Is Area Code 480 In?
The 480 area code operates in Mountain Standard Time (MST).
Important Time Zone Fact
Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time (except Navajo Nation).
This means:
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480 stays on MST year-round
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No time changes in summer or winter
This is important for:
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Call centers
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Remote teams
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International businesses
Is Area Code 480 a Mobile or Landline Code?
Area code 480 supports:
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📱 Mobile numbers
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☎️ Landlines
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📞 VoIP services
There is no restriction—numbers can belong to:
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Individuals
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Businesses
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Customer support centers
Is Area Code 480 Legit or a Scam?
Is 480 a Real Area Code?
✅ Yes. Area code 480 is 100% legitimate and officially assigned in the United States.
Why Do Some Scams Use 480 Numbers?
Scammers often spoof trusted U.S. area codes to appear local and trustworthy.
Common scam types include:
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Robocalls
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Fake IRS calls
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Tech support scams
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Credit card fraud
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Fake job offers
⚠️ The area code itself is not dangerous—the caller may be.
How to Identify Spam Calls from 480 Numbers
If you receive a suspicious call:
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Don’t answer unknown numbers
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Let calls go to voicemail
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Search the number online
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Use caller ID apps
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Block repeat spam calls
Is Area Code 480 Overlaid?
Yes. Due to high demand, Arizona uses overlay area codes.
What Does an Overlay Mean?
Multiple area codes serve the same region.
This requires:
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10-digit dialing
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Area code + phone number for all calls
Why Businesses Prefer Area Code 480
Many businesses choose 480 numbers intentionally.
Benefits for Businesses
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Strong local Arizona identity
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High trust among residents
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Better call answer rates
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Ideal for local SEO
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Professional appearance
Industries Using 480 Numbers
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Real estate agencies
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Solar companies
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HVAC services
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Fintech & finance firms
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E-commerce support
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Medical practices
Area Code 480 for International Callers
If you’re calling from outside the U.S.:
📞 Format:
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+1 = USA country code
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480 = Arizona area code
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What state is area code 480 in?
Area code 480 is located in Arizona.
Is 480 a Phoenix area code?
Yes. It serves Phoenix’s East Valley suburbs.
When was area code 480 created?
It was introduced in 1999.
Is area code 480 safe?
Yes, but like all area codes, it can be spoofed.
Does Arizona use daylight saving time?
No. Arizona stays on MST year-round.
Final Thoughts
Area code 480 is a key part of Arizona’s communication network, representing one of the most active and fast-growing regions in the U.S.
Whether you:
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Received a call from a 480 number
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Are planning business expansion
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Want to rank a US-based SEO article
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Or are simply curious
Now you fully understand what area code 480 is, where it’s located, and why it matters.
