318 area code

The 318 area code is a telephone area code that covers the central and northern regions of Louisiana, including cities such as Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe. It was created in 1957 as a split from the original 504 area code and covers a total of 24 parishes in the state of Louisiana.

The 318 area code is one of the four original area codes that served Louisiana and has seen multiple changes and expansions over the years. It is currently the only area code that covers the northern part of the state, while the rest of Louisiana is served by the 225, 337, 504, and 985 area codes.

Counties That Use the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code covers a total of 24 parishes, which are equivalent to counties in other states. These parishes include:

• Avoyelles
• Bienville
• Bossier
• Caddo
• Caldwell
• Catahoula
• Claiborne
• Concordia
• Desoto
• East Carroll
• Franklin
• Grant
• Jackson
• La Salle
• Lincoln
• Madison
• Morehouse
• Natchitoches
• Ouachita
• Red River
• Sabine
• Tensas
• Union
• Webster

Depending on the city or town, some of these parishes may also have additional area codes, such as 337 or 504. It is important to double-check the area code when making a call within these parishes to ensure that the call will go through.

Major Cities That Use the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code covers some of the largest cities in Louisiana, including Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe. These cities are not only important economic and commercial hubs but also have rich histories and cultural significance.

Shreveport

With a population of over 188,000 people, Shreveport is the third-largest city in Louisiana and the largest city in the 318 area code. It is situated along the Red River and is known for its casinos, including the famous Eldorado Resort Casino, as well as its strong ties to the oil industry.

Shreveport is a hub for healthcare, education, and transportation, with major industries in the city including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and military services. It is also home to several museums, such as the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.

Alexandria

Alexandria is the ninth-largest city in Louisiana and has a population of over 46,000 people. It is located on the Red River and is known for its historic charm and natural beauty. It is the cultural and economic center of the central Louisiana region, with major industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

The city is also home to several attractions, such as the Alexandria Zoological Park and the Alexandria Museum of Art, which showcases local and regional artwork. It also has a strong military presence, with the nearby Camp Beauregard and England Air Force Base.

Monroe

Monroe is the eighth-largest city in Louisiana and has a population of over 47,000 people. It is situated on the Ouachita River and is known for being the birthplace of Coca-Cola. The city is home to several colleges and universities, such as the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College.

Monroe is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens and the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. It is also a major economic center, with industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

All Cities and Towns That Use the 318 Area Code

Aside from the major cities mentioned above, the 318 area code also covers numerous other smaller cities and towns in Louisiana. These cities and towns, while smaller in size, play an important role in the economy and culture of the area. Some of the notable cities and towns in the 318 area code include:

• Winnsboro
• Plaquemine
• Tallulah
• Logansport
• Jonesboro
• Vivian
• Grambling
• Marksville
• Springhill
• Farmerville
• Minden
• Bastrop
• Columbia

Each of these cities and towns has its own unique characteristics and attractions, making the 318 area code a diverse and vibrant region in Louisiana.

Map and Population of the 318 Area Code

Below is a map of the 318 area code and its coverage in Louisiana:

The population of the 318 area code is estimated to be over 1.5 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes it the second most populous area code in Louisiana, after the 504 area code. The 318 area code covers a large area, and the population is dispersed among numerous cities, towns, and rural areas.

Geography and Climate of the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code is situated in northern and central Louisiana, mainly along the Red River and the Ouachita River. The region is characterized by flat, fertile land and is known for its agriculture, particularly cotton and corn crops.

The climate in the 318 area code is humid subtropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 90°F, while in the winter, it ranges from 40-60°F. The area also experiences frequent thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes.

Tourist Attractions in the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code has a lot to offer for tourists, from outdoor activities to cultural and historic landmarks. Some of the top attractions in the area include:

• Kisatchie National Forest: This expansive and diverse forest covers over 600,000 acres and is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and fishing.
• Poverty Point World Heritage Site: This archaeological site showcases the remains of an ancient Native American culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cane River Creole National Historical Park: This park preserves the history and culture of the Creole people in Louisiana and contains several historic plantations and homes.
• Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge is home to a variety of birds and animals and is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
• Vicksburg National Military Park: Located just across the border in Mississippi, this park commemorates one of the most important battles of the Civil War.

There are also several museums, art galleries, and festivals that take place in the 318 area code, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Louisiana.

Education in the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code is home to several colleges and universities, including Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, and University of Louisiana at Monroe. These institutions offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and contribute to the educated workforce in the area.

In addition to these universities, there are also numerous community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools in the 318 area code, providing opportunities for career and technical education.

Healthcare in the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code is home to several major hospitals, including Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport and Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. These hospitals serve not only the local communities but also the surrounding areas in the 318 area code.

In addition to these major hospitals, there are also several clinics, urgent care centers, and specialist clinics in the area, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the residents.

Government and Administration of the 318 Area Code

The 318 area code is primarily governed by the state of Louisiana, with each of the 24 parishes having its own form of local government. The cities and towns within the 318 area code also have their own local governments, overseeing areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety.

The area falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. It is also represented by two U.S. Senators and six U.S. Representatives in Congress.

Zip Codes in the 318 Area Code

The zip codes in the 318 area code range from 70000 to 72999, with the majority falling in the 71000 to 72999 range. There are approximately 265 zip codes within the 318 area code, with some cities and towns sharing the same zip code.

It is important to note that zip codes do not necessarily correspond to area codes. In some cases, one zip code may cover multiple area codes, while one area code may have multiple zip codes within it.

Recent Changes and Updates to the 318 Area Code

In recent years, there have been no major changes or updates to the 318 area code. However, the high demand for phone numbers in the area has led to the introduction of a new area code, 367. This new area code will be introduced as an overlay to the 318 area code, meaning that new phone numbers will be assigned the 367 area code while existing numbers with the 318 area code will not change.

The introduction of the 367 area code is expected to take place in 2022 and is aimed at ensuring that there are enough phone numbers to meet the growing demand in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the 318 area code important?

The 318 area code is important because it covers a large part of northern and central Louisiana, including major cities such as Shreveport and Alexandria. It is also important for businesses and individuals in the area to know the correct area code to use for phone calls to ensure that they are connected.

2. What cities and towns are covered by the 318 area code?

The 318 area code covers cities such as Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe, as well as smaller towns