318 Area Code: North Louisiana's Number for Shreveport, Monroe, and Beyond

Introduction

The 318 area code covers the northern half of Louisiana — one of the original NANP codes that has anchored the region since 1947. From Shreveport's energy and healthcare corridor to Monroe's manufacturing base, 318 is the local signal that gets calls answered across the Ark-La-Tex and beyond.

Where 318 came from

The 318 area code is one of the original codes assigned when the North American Numbering Plan launched in 1947. It covered all of Louisiana until 1954, when 504 split off to serve the southern half of the state — leaving 318 as the permanent code for the north.

Still standing solo

Despite decades of population and economic change, 318 has never needed an overlay. It remains the single code for all of north Louisiana — a clean, recognizable three digits that locals have dialed their entire lives.

Ten-digit dialing

Louisiana now requires ten-digit dialing statewide for all calls. Keep the full area code on your signage, voicemail, and CRM records.

The markets behind the 318

North Louisiana isn't one economy. The 318 map covers several distinct markets worth understanding.

Shreveport-Bossier City

The metro anchors the Ark-La-Tex region — energy, healthcare, gaming, and a growing aerospace presence. Barksdale Air Force Base drives a significant portion of the area's economy and generates steady business-to-business demand.

Monroe and West Monroe

Northeast Louisiana's commercial center runs on manufacturing, healthcare, and the University of Louisiana Monroe. A recognizable 318 line here signals you're embedded in the community, not calling from a distant call center.

Alexandria and the central corridor

Sitting at Louisiana's geographic midpoint, Alexandria is the hub for central Louisiana's healthcare, retail, and government services. The 318 code connects you to a market that values local relationships.

Rural parishes and agricultural communities

Much of the 318 footprint is smaller parishes where local presence matters even more than in the cities. An out-of-state number gets screened; a familiar 318 gets answered.

How to get a 318 number that gets answered

1. 1Claim or port the right line — grab an open 318 number, or port the one already on your truck and listings so you keep its history. [letsdial](/products/business-phone) ports numbers in and out free, both directions.
2. 2Sign your calls and file 10DLC — apply A-level STIR/SHAKEN attestation so your 318 calls clear as verified, and register [10DLC](/products/sms-mms) so your texts reach the inbox.
3. 3Route each caller correctly — Shreveport energy calls and Monroe healthcare inquiries shouldn't ring the same desk. A [contact center](/products/contact-center) that routes by intent sends each call where it belongs.

The takeaway

The 318 area code is one of Louisiana's originals — and in a region that values local roots, that history is an asset. Lock in a 318 line, sign every call, and put a real answer behind it so north Louisiana customers pick up.

Frequently Asked Questions