520 Area Code: Tucson's Number in the Sonoran Desert

520 was created in 1995 when Arizona's original 602 area code was split, giving Tucson and Southern Arizona their own distinct identity separate from Phoenix.

History & Coverage

520 launched in 1995 covering Tucson and all of Southern Arizona down to the Mexican border. Unlike Phoenix, this large geographic region has not required an overlay, keeping 520 the sole code for the area.

Why Businesses Choose 520

• Optics and aerospace research: the University of Arizona's renowned optical sciences program and nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base give 520 strong research and defense credibility
• Solar energy growth: Southern Arizona's abundant sunshine has made Tucson a hub for solar technology companies
• Border trade and logistics: proximity to the Mexican border supports a strong cross-border trade and logistics sector under 520

Key Industries & Neighborhoods

Downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona campus anchor research, optics, and healthcare industries, while the surrounding desert corridor hosts solar energy and aerospace manufacturing facilities.

Fun Facts

• The University of Arizona is home to one of the top optical sciences programs in the world, drawing telescope and laser manufacturers to the region
• 520 covers one of the largest geographic areas of any Arizona area code, spanning the entire southern half of the state

Conclusion

For research, aerospace, and solar energy businesses in the Southwest, 520 remains the definitive number tied to Southern Arizona's unique economy.