You could eliminate $number and add o to the area code match. Just check the whole line for the are code.

LISTING: while(<DATA>) {
        next LISTING unless /$area_code/o;
        # store the state/province
        my ($state) = m/^(\D+)/;
        print "$area_code: $state\n";
        # once we have a match, don't continue
        # through the whole list
        last LISTING;
    }
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HTH,
Charles K. Clarkson

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare;
    it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
- Seneca the Elder