Baker at a glance
- Population: 12,057, the 27th-largest community in Louisiana out of 302 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 12,475 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a decline of roughly 3.4% between the 2020 count and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 27th of 302 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: about 91% of places in Louisiana are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 30.5832 latitude, -91.1582 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Zachary, LA (6 mi); Central, LA (7 mi); Gonzales, LA (29 mi); Hammond, LA (42 mi); Opelousas, LA (55 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: Port Allen, LA (10 mi); Slaughter, LA (10 mi); Denham Springs, LA (14 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Baker
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
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.
Lenders weigh your credit history, income and debts when they set the rate, and the term you choose then determines how that rate compounds into total cost.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Baker
The table lists the Louisiana rules that apply to a loan made in Baker, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Baker
Before you commit to a personal loan in Baker, work through these steps:
- 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.