Louisiana · Central Time
985 Area Code
Area code 985 is in Louisiana, serving southeast Louisiana surrounding New Orleans, including the Northshore and bayou country. It is in the Central Time zone.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 985 area code?
985 is a Louisiana area code covering southeast Louisiana surrounding New Orleans, including the Northshore and bayou country. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 985 area code
- Houma
- Slidell
- Hammond
- Thibodaux
- Mandeville
- Covington
- LaPlace
- Bogalusa
- Morgan City
- Ponchatoula
- Raceland
Counties served by 985
Terrebonne Parish, Lafourche Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Charles Parish, Washington Parish and St. Mary Parish.
Dialing 985
Houma, LA is currently served by the single area code 985, with no overlay. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
From outside the US, dial +1 985 followed by the seven-digit number.
History of the 985 area code
985 went into service on February 12, 2001, created when it was split from 504. It serves Houma and the surrounding part of Louisiana. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 985 a scam or spam risk?
985 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 985 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Houma, LA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Louisiana area codes
Explore more
See every code in Louisiana, compare codes across the South region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 9XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
985 area code FAQ
Where is the 985 area code?
The 985 area code is in Louisiana, covering southeast Louisiana surrounding New Orleans, including the Northshore and bayou country, in the South region.
What cities are in the 985 area code?
Cities in the 985 area code include Houma, Slidell, Hammond, Thibodaux, Mandeville, Covington, LaPlace, Bogalusa, Morgan City and Ponchatoula.
What time zone is 985 in?
985 is in the Central Time zone.
When did the 985 area code start?
985 went into service on February 12, 2001.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 985?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 985 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 985 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.