Area Code 985
Louisiana
Area code 985 serves Louisiana, primarily Houma, in the Central Time (CT) time zone. It was created from a split of area code 504.
Split Area Code
This area code was created by splitting an existing area code into separate geographic regions. When a split occurs, some customers in the original area code region are assigned the new area code.
This area code was split from area code 504 (New Orleans).
In service since: 12-Feb-2001
Demographics
The estimated population served by area code 985 is approximately 1,343,477. The population density is 122 people per square mile, which is higher than the national average of 94. The median household income is $64,819, which is lower than the national median of $78,538. Approximately 23.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national rate of 35.0%. This rate is lower than the national average. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, which is higher than the national rate of 12.4%.
History
Area code 985 was created from a split of area code 504. It was introduced in 2001 as part of a geographic division to provide additional numbering resources.
Demographics & Economics
- Total Population
- 1,343,477
- Population Density
- 122 people/sq miabove U.S. average (U.S.: 94 people/sq mi)
- Median Household Income
- $64,819below U.S. median (U.S.: $78,538)
- Poverty Rate
- 16.1%above U.S. average (U.S.: 12.4%)
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.9%above U.S. average (U.S.: 5.2%)
- Education Attainment
- Bachelor's Degree+23.6%below U.S. average (U.S.: 35.0%)High School or Lower40.1%
Statistics are population-weighted aggregations from Census ACS 5-year estimates.See Sources for details.
Geographic Coverage
State
LA
Major Cities
- Houma
- Slidell
- Laplace
- Bayou Cane
- Hammond
- Thibodaux
- Luling
- Mandeville
- Destrehan
- Covington
- Bayou Blue
- Bogalusa
- Raceland
- Ponchatoula
- Eden Isle
- Reserve
- Lacombe
- Galliano
- Schriever
- Larose
- Patterson
- Gray
- Chackbay
- Cut Off
and 58 more cities
Time Zone
- Central Time (CT)
Current Time
County Coverage
Population-weighted county share based on aggregated ZCTA population (100% = total mapped population for area code 985).
| County | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|
| St. Tammany, LA | 306,637 | 22.8% |
| Tangipahoa, LA | 232,968 | 17.3% |
| Terrebonne, LA | 162,131 | 12.1% |
| Lafourche, LA | 142,063 | 10.6% |
| Livingston, LA | 84,580 | 6.3% |
| Assumption, LA | 83,843 | 6.2% |
| St. Charles, LA | 81,524 | 6.1% |
| Washington, LA | 60,621 | 4.5% |
| Jefferson, LA | 56,285 | 4.2% |
| St. John the Baptist, LA | 41,880 | 3.1% |
| St. Mary, LA | 34,056 | 2.5% |
| St. Helena, LA | 31,336 | 2.3% |
| St. Martin, LA | 25,553 | 1.9% |
Call Context
This area code covers a metropolitan region in LA with moderate to high population density, centered on Houma and surrounding communities.
Nearby Area Codes
Area codes geographically closest to 985.
Other Area Codes in Louisiana
Area codes that also serve Louisiana, linked for easy comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about area code 985 and how phone numbering works.
Phone numbers assigned to area code 985 are tied to where they were originally provisioned — not the caller's current location. This code serving roughly 1343k people covers Houma in LA, so a number originally set up there will retain the 985 prefix even if the owner moves or uses VoIP. Mobile phones keep their original number when users relocate, and businesses often adopt local area codes to establish a regional presence.
Start by looking up the area code on this site to understand its geographic context — area code 985 is associated with Houma in LA. For caller-specific details, use your carrier's caller ID features or check public directories. If you suspect fraud, you can report it to the FTC. To file a complaint about robocalls or spoofed numbers, visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Area codes are sometimes "split" when an existing code runs out of available number combinations. In a split, the original territory is divided geographically, with each portion receiving its own area code. This area code was split from area code 504. See our guide on splits and overlays for details.