606 – Ashland, KY area code

606 Area Code: An Overview

The 606 area code serves the southeastern Kentucky region, including the city of Ashland. Established in 1954 as part of Kentucky’s original area code, 859, the 606 area code encompasses 14 counties and a population of approximately 290,000. It is one of the least populous area codes in Kentucky, known for its scenic landscapes, historic heritage, and vibrant communities.

History of the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code was created in 1954 when Kentucky’s original area code, 859, was split into three smaller area codes: 606, 502, and 859. The 606 area code was initially assigned to the eastern and southeastern portions of Kentucky, including the city of Ashland. Over the years, the boundaries of the 606 area code have shifted slightly, but it has generally remained the same since its inception.

Boundaries of the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code encompasses 14 counties in southeastern Kentucky: Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Pike, and Rowan. The area code’s boundaries extend from the Ohio River in the north to the Virginia border in the south, and from the West Virginia border in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west.

Major Cities and Towns within the 606 Area Code

The largest city within the 606 area code is Ashland, with a population of approximately 21,000. Other major cities and towns in the area include:

• Pikeville (population: 6,903)
• Prestonsburg (population: 3,254)
• Hazard (population: 4,456)
• Whitesburg (population: 2,139)
• Paintsville (population: 3,888)
• Louisa (population: 2,423)
• Salyersville (population: 1,888)
• Inez (population: 717)
• Van Lear (population: 1,665)
• Jenkins (population: 2,236)

Economic Profile of the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code is primarily an industrial region, with a significant coal mining industry. Other major industries include healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and education. The area is home to several major employers, including King’s Daughters Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, and Ashland Inc. The unemployment rate in the 606 area code is slightly higher than the national average, but the cost of living is relatively low.

Educational Institutions in the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code is served by several colleges and universities, including:

• Ashland Community and Technical College
• Morehead State University (Ashland campus)
• University of Kentucky (Hazard campus)
• Eastern Kentucky University (Prestonsburg campus)
• Hazard Community and Technical College
• Alice Lloyd College
• Prestonsburg Community College
• Bluegrass Community and Technical College (Hazard campus)

Healthcare Facilities in the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code is home to several hospitals and clinics, including:

• King’s Daughters Medical Center (Ashland)
• Pikeville Medical Center (Pikeville)
• Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center (Hazard)
• Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital (Whitesburg)
• Paintsville ARH Hospital (Paintsville)
• Louisa ARH Hospital (Louisa)
• Salyersville ARH Hospital (Salyersville)

Transportation in the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code is accessible by several major highways, including Interstate 64, U.S. Route 23, and U.S. Route 460. The region is also served by the Ashland Regional Airport (HLR), which offers flights to several major cities. Public transportation is limited in the 606 area code, but there are several bus routes that connect the major cities and towns.

Notable Landmarks in the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code is home to several notable landmarks, including:

• The Paramount Arts Center (Ashland)
• The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum (Benham)
• The Big Sandy River (flowing through the region)
• The Breaks Interstate Park (located on the Virginia border)
• The Jenny Wiley State Resort Park (located in Prestonsburg)
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge (connecting Kentucky and West Virginia)

Future Development Prospects for the 606 Area Code

The 606 area code is facing several challenges, including declining population, an aging workforce, and the decline of the coal mining industry. However, the region is also investing in new industries, such as healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. The future development prospects for the 606 area code depend on the ability of the region to adapt to these changes and attract new businesses and residents.

FAQs

Q: What is the area code for Ashland, KY?
A: 606

Q: What counties are included in the 606 area code?
A: Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Pike, and Rowan.

Q: What is the largest city in the 606 area code?
A: Ashland

Q: What are the major industries in the 606 area code?
A: Coal mining, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and education.

Q: What colleges and universities are located in the 606 area code?
A: Ashland Community and Technical College, Morehead State University (Ashland campus), University of Kentucky (Hazard campus), Eastern Kentucky University (Prestonsburg campus), Hazard Community and Technical College, Alice Lloyd College, Prestonsburg Community College, and Bluegrass Community and Technical College (Hazard campus).