Get an Area Code 865 business Phone Number and Answering Service | GoodCall
December 25, 2025

865 Area Code: Get a Local Phone Number for Eastern Tennessee

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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.

What is the 865 Area Code?

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.

  • State: Tennessee
  • Major Cities/Areas: Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Sevierville, Alcoa, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge
  • Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
  • Established: 1997
  • Overlay Area Code: None
  • Primary Uses: Residential lines, neighborhood businesses, major academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and local mobile numbers.

Regions Covered by 865 Area Code

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:

Knox County
  • Knoxville
  • Mascot
  • Powell
  • Farragut
  • Corryton
  • Halls Crossroads
  • Heiskell
Anderson County
  • Oak Ridge
  • Clinton
  • Norris
  • Rocky Top
  • Andersonville
  • Briceville
  • Claxton
Blount County
  • Maryville
  • Alcoa
  • Friendsville
  • Townsend
  • Louisville
  • Walland
Sevier County
  • Sevierville
  • Pigeon Forge
  • Gatlinburg
  • Kodak
  • Seymour
Roane County
  • Harriman
  • Kingston
  • Rockwood
  • Oliver Springs
  • Ten Mile
Loudon County
  • Lenoir City
  • Loudon
  • Greenback
  • Philadelphia
Jefferson County
  • Jefferson City
  • Dandridge
  • New Market
  • White Pine
  • Talbott
Grainger County
  • Rutledge
  • Bean Station
  • Blaine
  • Powder Springs
  • Washburn
Union County
  • Maynardville
  • Luttrell
  • Sharps Chapel
  • Plainview
Monroe County
  • Sweetwater
  • Madisonville
  • Tellico Plains
  • Vonore
Cocke County
  • Newport
  • Parrottsville
  • Bybee
  • Hartford
Hamblen County
  • Morristown
  • Mooresburg
Campbell County
  • Rocky Top
  • Caryville

Population & Demographics of 865 Area Code

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.

865 Area Code Time Zone

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.

Business Importance of 865 Area Code

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:

Why Local Numbers Build Trust

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.

Enterprise Businesses That Benefit From a Local 865 Number

Some well-known enterprises that would benefit from a local 865 number include:

Finance & Banking

Goodcall provides trusted local caller IDs that improve response rates for fraud alerts, loan inquiries, and branch service calls across the 865 region.

  • First Horizon Bank: Major regional bank with a strong presence throughout Knoxville, Maryville, and East Tennessee.
  • Tennessee State Bank: Local bank heavily involved in the tourism corridor (Sevierville, Gatlinburg).
  • Home Federal Bank of Tennessee: Long-standing local institution headquartered in Knoxville.
  • U.S. Bank: Provides widespread national coverage with branches in Knoxville and key surrounding cities such as Maryville.
  • Pinnacle Financial Partners: Prominent in the Knoxville financial sector and commercial services.

Healthcare & Education

A local 865 number helps improve patient communication, appointment confirmations, academic recruitment, and triage-line routing with trusted local numbers.

  • University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC): Major academic medical center and Level I Trauma Center in Knoxville.
  • Covenant Health: The largest healthcare system in East Tennessee, operating multiple hospitals (e.g., Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center) across the 865 area.
  • East Tennessee Children's Hospital: Dedicated pediatric care serving the entire region.
  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK): The flagship public university that drives research and talent development for the region.

Scientific Research & Energy

A local number is essential for coordination, procurement, security, and external relations for the area's massive federal research complex.

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL): The largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy national lab, located in Oak Ridge.
  • Y-12 National Security Complex: Key federal site for nuclear security and manufacturing, located in Oak Ridge.
  • Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Headquarters: Manages power generation and the regional electrical infrastructure from its Knoxville headquarters.

Tourism & Hospitality

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.

  • Dollywood/Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort: Major theme park and resort complex located in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Services: Essential for park management, information, and ranger services.
  • Major Hotel and Resort Chains: Numerous lodging facilities and hospitality businesses across Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

How to Get an 865 Area Code Number?

Setting up your 865 area code number with Goodcall is quick and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign Up: Create your account with Goodcall using basic business details.
  2. Select Your Plan: Choose the pricing plan that best matches your company’s needs.
  3. Complete KYC: Verify your identity and business information for compliance.
  4. Pick a Number: Browse the available 865 numbers and select the one you want.
  5. Customize Agent: Set up your AI-powered answering agent with greetings, call routing, and voicemail preferences.
  6. Go Live: Activate your number and start receiving calls immediately.

Benefits of Using Goodcall for the 865 Area Code

Choosing Goodcall means more than just getting a local number; it means equipping your business with tools to handle calls efficiently.

  • 24/7 Availability: Ensure no customer call is missed.
  • AI Answering Services: Professional, automated responses for smoother communication.
  • Cost-Effective: Flexible pricing designed for small to enterprise-level businesses.
  • Scalable Solutions: Upgrade features as your business grows.
  • Local Credibility: Build customer trust with a recognizable area code.

With these advantages, Goodcall makes it easier for you to manage calls and focus on growing your business.

Pricing Plans for Local Numbers

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.

Nearby Area Codes to 865

Areas Area Code
Chattanooga, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Cleveland 423
Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Lawrenceburg, Sparta 931
Nashville, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Gallatin 615, 629
Asheville, Hickory, Boone, Lenoir, Morganton 828

FAQS

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.

Last updated:
December 25, 2025

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