Ashland at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 7,878, placing it 122nd among Wisconsin's 605 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 7,912 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a loss of about 0.4% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Wisconsin places: 122nd of 605 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: about 80% of places in Wisconsin are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 46.5818, longitude -90.8719 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Superior, WI (58 mi); Duluth, MN (61 mi); Hermantown, MN (67 mi); Cloquet, MN (78 mi); Rice Lake, WI (87 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Smaller towns nearby: Washburn, WI (7 mi); Mason, WI (13 mi); Bayfield, WI (16 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Ashland
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Wisconsin lending rules that apply in Ashland
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Licensed lender license required from the Division of Banking (Wis. Stat. § 138.09) Source says: Before any person may do business under this section, that person shall first obtain a license from the division. | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Banking Source says: "Department" means the department of financial institutions | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per year maximum ($12 per $100) on the declining principal balance, except as authorized by other statutes (Wis. Stat. § 138.05(1)(a)) Source says: At the rate of $12 upon $100 for one year computed upon the declining principal balance of the loan or forbearance | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed by the DFI Division of Banking; statewide database tracking (Wis. Stat. § 138.14) Source says: "Licensee" means a person holding a license issued by the division under sub. (5) | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Ashland
Before you share your details with a lender in Ashland:
- Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
- Run your figures through the personal loan calculator on this site so you know the payment before a lender quotes one.
- Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
- Check that the lender is licensed in Wisconsin using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.