985 Area Code is a telephone area code used in the southeastern part of Louisiana in the United States. Many people search for this area code when they receive a call from an unfamiliar number or want to learn where the call is coming from.

Understanding an area code can help you quickly identify a caller’s location, time zone, and whether the call might be legitimate. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn where the 985 area code is located, which cities it covers, its history, dialing rules, and how to identify suspicious calls.

What Is the 985 Area Code?

The 985 Area Code is part of the North American telephone numbering system used to organize phone numbers across different regions. Each area code identifies a geographic location so that calls can be routed correctly.

This particular area code serves a large portion of southeastern Louisiana. It is commonly associated with suburban and coastal communities surrounding major urban centers in the state.

Area codes play an important role in telecommunications because they help manage the growing number of phone users. With the increase in smartphones, business lines, and internet-based phone services, having organized numbering systems ensures that calls can be made efficiently.

Today, the 985 region includes both residential and business phone numbers, making it a vital communication network for the communities it serves.

Where Is the 985 Area Code Located?

The 985 area code is primarily located in southeastern Louisiana. It covers communities outside the metropolitan area of New Orleans and extends through coastal and inland regions.

This area includes a mix of suburban neighborhoods, small towns, and coastal communities known for fishing, tourism, and local industries. Many residents rely on this area code for everyday communication, business operations, and emergency services.

Because of its location near the Gulf Coast, the region has a strong maritime culture and economy. Local communities often depend on industries such as seafood harvesting, shipping, tourism, and energy production.

Major Cities in the 985 Area Code

Several well-known Louisiana cities fall within the 985 region. These cities contribute to the local economy and serve as major population centers.

Houma
Houma is one of the largest cities in the area code and is known for its strong ties to the oil and gas industry as well as its coastal fishing communities.

Slidell
Located near Lake Pontchartrain, Slidell is a growing suburban community and an important commercial hub in the region.

Hammond
Hammond is home to Southeastern Louisiana University, making it an important educational center in the state.

Covington
Covington is known for its charming downtown district and vibrant arts community.

Thibodaux
Thibodaux is another major city in the area and is recognized for its cultural heritage and connection to Louisiana’s bayou regions.

985 Area Code Map and Geographic Coverage

The geographic coverage of the 985 area code stretches across southeastern Louisiana and includes coastal and inland areas.

It serves multiple parishes that are part of the state’s regional government system. These parishes function similarly to counties in other U.S. states.

Parishes Covered by the 985 Area Code

Several important parishes fall under this area code:

• Lafourche Parish

• Terrebonne Parish

• St. Tammany Parish

• Tangipahoa Parish

These areas include coastal wetlands, rural communities, and expanding suburban developments. The mix of geography makes the region unique compared to many other parts of the United States.

What Time Zone Is the 985 Area Code In?

The 985 area code operates within the Central Time Zone.

This means the region follows:

• Central Standard Time (CST)

• Central Daylight Time (CDT) during daylight saving months

Understanding the time zone is important when making phone calls, especially if you are calling from another part of the country or from overseas. Calling at appropriate hours helps avoid disturbing people during late-night or early-morning times.

History of the 985 Area Code

The 985 area code was introduced in 2001 when the demand for phone numbers in Louisiana increased significantly.

Originally, southeastern Louisiana was served by Area Code 504. However, population growth and the rising number of mobile devices meant the region needed additional numbers.

To solve this problem, telecommunications authorities split the original area code and created 985 for surrounding communities.

Since then, the area code has continued to support growing residential and business communication needs. With the expansion of digital services and internet-based calling, the region continues to adapt to new telecommunications trends.

Why You Might Receive a Call from the 985 Area Code

Receiving a call from an unfamiliar area code often raises questions. There are several common reasons why someone from the 985 area code might contact you.

Personal Calls

If you have friends, relatives, or acquaintances living in Louisiana, they may call you using a number with the 985 area code. Many people move between states but keep their original phone numbers.

Business or Customer Service Calls

Companies operating in southeastern Louisiana often use local numbers to contact customers, confirm appointments, or provide support services.

Businesses frequently choose local numbers because they help establish trust and familiarity with clients.

Telemarketing or Automated Calls

Some calls may come from automated systems or telemarketing companies. While these calls are not always harmful, they can be inconvenient.

Understanding the source of a call helps you decide whether to answer or return it.

Is the 985 Area Code Safe or a Scam?

One of the most common concerns people have about unfamiliar phone numbers is whether the call could be a scam.

It is important to understand that area codes themselves are not scams. However, scammers sometimes use technology to disguise their real location by spoofing legitimate phone numbers.

Warning Signs of Scam Calls

There are several red flags that may indicate a suspicious call:

• The caller demands urgent payment.

• You are asked to share personal information immediately.

• The caller threatens legal action or penalties.

• The message sounds automated or robotic.

Being aware of these signs can help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

For example, many people search about suspicious calls from other regions as well. If you want to understand how scammers sometimes use area codes, you can read about what happens with calls from the 912 area code in this safety guide:

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

If you believe a call might be fraudulent, consider taking the following steps:

• Avoid sharing personal details

• Hang up immediately

• Block the number if necessary

• Report the call to your phone provider

Staying cautious can prevent financial or identity-related risks.

How to Dial the 985 Area Code

Dialing a phone number within the United States is relatively simple, but the format may vary depending on where you are calling from.

Dialing from Within the United States

To call a number within the U.S., simply dial:

1 + 985 + the seven-digit local number.

Most smartphones automatically handle this process when you select a contact.

Dialing from Another Country

If you are calling from outside the United States, you will need to include the country code.

The format usually looks like:

+1 985 XXX XXXX

The +1 represents the United States country code.

Businesses and Virtual Numbers in the 985 Area Code

Many businesses choose local phone numbers to create a stronger connection with customers in a specific region.

Having a local area code can make a company appear more familiar and trustworthy to potential clients. This is especially useful for businesses providing services to specific cities or communities.

Virtual phone services and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology now allow companies to obtain numbers in different locations without needing a physical office there.

For example, many businesses compare regional numbers before selecting one. If you’re exploring different U.S. regions, you may also want to see details about another location such as the 434 area code coverage guide:

These comparisons help entrepreneurs choose numbers that match their target market.

Nearby Area Codes in Louisiana

Louisiana uses several area codes across different parts of the state.

Some of the most common ones include:

• Area Code 504

• Area Code 225

• Area Code 337

These codes serve other regions including major cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

If you are researching different U.S. phone regions, it may also help to explore guides like:

• Area Code 551

• Area Code 978

Understanding different area codes can help you recognize where calls originate and how regional phone systems are organized.

Population and Economic Importance of the 985 Region

The southeastern Louisiana region served by the 985 area code plays an important role in the state’s economy.

Industries in the region include:

• Offshore energy production

• Seafood harvesting

• Tourism

• Transportation and shipping

Coastal communities contribute significantly to Louisiana’s seafood industry, while inland areas support education, healthcare, and retail services.

Because of its economic diversity, the region continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses.

Will the 985 Area Code Run Out of Numbers?

As mobile devices and digital communication services increase, demand for phone numbers continues to rise.

Telecommunications authorities monitor how many numbers remain available in each area code. If demand grows too quickly, regulators may introduce a new area code or an overlay system to provide additional numbers.

As of 2026, the 985 area code still has available number capacity, but long-term planning ensures the system remains efficient as technology evolves.

Quick Facts About the 985 Area Code

Here are some quick highlights:

• Located in southeastern Louisiana

• Introduced in 2001

• Split from area code 504

• Serves cities like Houma, Slidell, and Hammond

• Operates in the Central Time Zone

These facts make it easier to identify the origin of phone numbers from this region.

Conclusion

The 985 Area Code is an important part of the telecommunications network serving southeastern Louisiana. It connects communities across coastal and inland regions and supports communication for residents, businesses, and institutions.

By understanding where the area code is located, which cities it serves, and how to identify suspicious calls, you can make more informed decisions when answering unfamiliar numbers.

Whether you are researching a missed call, exploring regional phone systems, or learning about Louisiana’s telecommunications history, knowing how area codes work helps you navigate modern communication with greater confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 985 area code located?

The 985 area code is located in southeastern Louisiana in the United States. It covers several cities and parishes outside the New Orleans metropolitan area.

What cities use the 985 area code?

Major cities include Houma, Slidell, Hammond, Covington, and Thibodaux, along with many smaller communities throughout the region.

What time zone is the 985 area code in?

The area code operates in the Central Time Zone, which includes Central Standard Time and Central Daylight Time.

When was the 985 area code created?

The 985 area code was created in 2001 after splitting from area code 504 to meet growing demand for phone numbers.

Can scammers use the 985 area code?

Yes, scammers can sometimes spoof numbers from any area code. Always verify suspicious calls before sharing personal information.