Athens at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 230 residents, ranking 261st of 302 places in Louisiana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 238 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down roughly 3.4% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 261st out of 302 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 14% of Louisiana's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 32.6580, longitude -93.0277 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Gibsland, LA (8 mi); Homer, LA (10 mi); Arcadia, LA (10 mi); Dubberly, LA (14 mi); Minden, LA (15 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller places nearby: Mount Lebanon, LA (11 mi); Lisbon, LA (13 mi); Bryceland, LA (15 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Athens
A personal loan is structured as an installment plan, with a set number of monthly payments and a fixed amount due each time.
Two loans can share an interest rate and still differ in APR once fees are counted, so compare APR; our personal loan calculator shows the difference over the full term.
Choosing a longer term eases the monthly budget but adds interest over the life of the loan; a shorter term costs more per month and less overall.
If you are consolidating debt, the loan only helps if you stop adding to the balances it clears; otherwise the total debt grows.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Athens
The table lists the Louisiana rules that apply to a loan made in Athens, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Athens
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Athens:
- 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 Louisiana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.