
© Goodcall 2025
Built with ❤ by humans and AI agents in California, Egypt, GPUland, Virginia and Washington
The 865 area code is synonymous with East Tennessee's economic and cultural center, covering the Knoxville Metropolitan Area. This region is a vital hub for education, high-tech energy research, advanced manufacturing, and tourism as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Getting an 865 number helps companies build trust, improve call response rates, and connect more effectively with customers across major cities like Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
The 865 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) serving the Knoxville Metropolitan Area and much of East Tennessee. It covers the central-eastern part of the state, including the major metropolitan area of Knoxville.
The 865 area code was assigned on November 1, 1999, as part of a geographic split from the 423 area code, which now serves the surrounding eastern and southeastern parts of Tennessee. The number was specifically chosen because the digits 8-6-5 correspond to the letters V-O-L on a phone keypad, a cultural nod to the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
The 865 area code covers East Tennessee, centered around the city of Knoxville, including areas like Maryville, Oak Ridge, and Sevierville, spanning multiple counties such as Knox, Blount, Sevier, and Anderson. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major counties and cities:
The 865 area code is the identifier for East Tennessee's economically dynamic Knoxville Metropolitan Area, with its largest city, Knoxville, serving as a major hub for higher education, advanced scientific research, and health care. According to recent data for Knox County, the central core of the area, has an estimated population for 2025 of 511,920 with a solid annual growth rate of 1.02%.
The region’s economic foundation is stable and growing, as indicated by a Median Household Income of $71,662. The area's employment is largely driven by institutional and service sectors, with the largest employing industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (reflecting the presence of the University of Tennessee and major hospital systems).
Demographically, the population of Knox County is predominantly 81.22% White and 8.15% Black or African American. This profile solidifies the 865 area code region as a center of economic and cultural gravity in the Appalachian Southeast.
The 865 area code serves the Knoxville Metropolitan Area and much of East Tennessee, encompassing major counties like Knox, Blount, and Sevier. This area is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
This means that during standard time, the time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC-5. During daylight saving time, the time zone is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4. All calls placed within the 865 area code follow the Eastern Time Zone.
The 865 area code adds local trust and credibility, making it valuable for local businesses. Here’s how a business number with the 865 area code is important for your business:
When customers see a local 865 area code number, they immediately recognize it as part of their community. This familiarity creates trust and reduces hesitation to answer calls. Research shows that consumers are more likely to pick up calls from numbers with local area codes compared to unfamiliar or out-of-state numbers.
For small businesses, using a local area code 865 number shows commitment to serving the community. For larger enterprises, it signals accessibility and helps build stronger relationships with regional customers.
Some well-known enterprises that would benefit from a local 865 number include:
Goodcall provides trusted local caller IDs that improve response rates for fraud alerts, loan inquiries, and branch service calls across the 865 region.
A local 865 number helps improve patient communication, appointment confirmations, academic recruitment, and triage-line routing with trusted local numbers.
A local number is essential for coordination, procurement, security, and external relations for the area's massive federal research complex.
An 865 area code phone number helps tourism teams streamline bookings, visitor inquiries, and coordination with a trustworthy local caller ID, vital for the region's top industry.
Setting up your 865 area code number with Goodcall is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:
Choosing Goodcall means more than just getting a local number; it means equipping your business with tools to handle calls efficiently.
With these advantages, Goodcall makes it easier for you to manage calls and focus on growing your business.
Our local 865 area code numbers come with affordable pricing plans designed to fit every business size. We offer flexible pricing options that scale with your needs, whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise. Additionally, you can save 30% on annual subscriptions, giving your business more value at a lower cost.
What is the 865 area code, and where is it located?
The 865 area code serves Knoxville, Tennessee, and much of East Tennessee, covering cities like Maryville, Oak Ridge, and Morristown.
What cities does the 865 area code cover?
The area code 865 covers major cities like Knoxville, Maryville, and Oak Ridge, and parts of Blount, Sevier, and Anderson.
What time zone is area code 865 in?
The 865 area code, which serves eastern Tennessee and is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Does the 865 area code get spam calls?
Like any area code, spam and robocalls do occur, but using a trusted business provider like Goodcall helps filter unwanted calls.
Which types of businesses benefit most from a local 865 number?
Local service providers, tech companies, restaurants, real estate agents, and startups benefit from an 865 number, as it boosts local trust and visibility.
How can I get a local 865 area code number for my business?
You can get an 865 number easily by signing up with Goodcall, choosing your plan, and selecting your preferred local number.
Can I forward calls from my 865 number elsewhere?
Yes. With Goodcall, you can forward calls to any phone, ensuring you never miss a customer inquiry.
How much does it cost to get an 865 area code number?
Goodcall plans are affordable and flexible, at $66 per month per agent annually.
Is the 865 area code toll-free?
No, 865 is not a toll-free area code. It’s a geographic code for Tennessee, designed to give businesses a trusted local identity. Toll-free numbers in the US typically begin with prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, or 855.