The 985 area code is a telephone areas codes located in southeastern Louisiana. It serves a large region surrounding the New Orleans metropolitan area and covers many communities known for their rich culture, coastal landscapes, and economic importance. Whether you have received a call from a number or are planning to establish a local business presence in Louisiana, understanding the area code can be valuable.
What Is the 985 Area Code?
The area code 985 serves southeastern Louisiana in the United States under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It covers a large portion of southeastern Louisiana while excluding the inner ring of the New Orleans metropolitan area. The area code connects some of the most geographically and culturally diverse communities in the Gulf South, including expansive bayou regions, coastal towns, and growing suburban parishes. Together, these communities create a unique and vibrant part of Louisiana known for its rich heritage, natural beauty, and strong local identity.
Where Is the 985 Area Code Located?
The phone area code 985 is located in the southeastern portion of Louisiana. It encompasses the New Orleans area but excludes the city itself, which is primarily served by the 504 area code. Instead, 985 encompasses many suburban, coastal, and rural communities across a significant part of the state.
Major cities covered
Several important Louisiana cities and towns use the area code 985 location, including:
These communities contribute to the region’s economic growth and cultural identity while serving as key population centers within the area code.
History of the 985 Area Code
The 985 area code location was created on February 12, 2001. It was established through a split of Louisiana’s 504 area code due to increasing demand for telephone numbers. As mobile phones, fax machines, internet services, and business communication systems became more common, the existing supply of phone numbers began to run low. To ensure sufficient numbering resources for future growth, telecommunications authorities introduced the area code. Since its implementation, the area code has successfully accommodated the communication needs of southeastern Louisiana.
Population and Demographics
In all, the 985 area code usa serves a population of approximately 1,660,768 individuals. The median age in area code is 39.02 years, and the median household income is $58,547. The region is home to a diverse population, including working-class families, energy sector workers, healthcare professionals, and small business owners. Approximately 70.35% of households own their homes rather than rent, and the median home value is $184,681. These numbers paint a picture of a largely homeowning, middle-income region with deep roots in its local communities.
Time zone
The 985 area code time zone is located in the Central Time Zone, also known as America/Chicago. This means the region observes Central Standard Time (CST, UTC−6) during the winter months and Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−5) during the summer months, in line with the rest of Louisiana and most of the central United States. Anyone scheduling calls or business meetings with contacts in the 985 region should keep this time zone in mind, particularly when coordinating with partners on the East or West Coast.
Economy and Key Industries
The 985 region is economically significant within Louisiana and the broader Gulf Coast economy. The area is economically connected to the broader New Orleans–Metairie–Slidell regional economy, which has reported a combined GDP exceeding $90 billion in recent years, making it an important center for business and employment in Louisiana.
How to Dial a 985 Number
Dialing a 985 number is straightforward within the United States. To call a 985 number from within the United States, dial 1-985-XXX-XXXX, where XXX-XXXX is the local number. From outside the US, dial your country’s exit code, then +1-985-XXX-XXXX. Area code is one of fewer than 71 area codes in the US that still allow 7-digit dialing for local calls within the same area code, meaning residents calling one another locally do not always need to include the area code prefix.
Is the 985 Area Code Running Out of Numbers?
Current numbering resources continue to support the region’s communication needs. However, population growth and increasing demand for wireless devices may eventually require additional numbering solutions. Telecommunications regulators continuously monitor number availability to ensure sufficient resources remain available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
The area code for 985 is a vital telecommunications region serving southeastern Louisiana. It covers cities such as Houma, Hammond, Slidell, Covington, and Thibodaux and supports a diverse economy built on energy, tourism, healthcare, maritime industries, and agriculture. Since its creation in 2001, the area code has provided reliable communication services for residents and businesses while helping connect communities throughout one of Louisiana’s most distinctive regions. Whether you’re researching a phone number, moving to the area, or establishing a business presence, understanding the area code offers valuable insight into this important part of Louisiana.
