Benton at a glance
- Population: 2,083 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 109th-largest of 302 places in Louisiana.
- 2020 Census base: 2,055 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: an increase of about 1.4% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 109th of 302 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 64% of the places in Louisiana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 32.6896, -93.7401.
- Nearest larger cities: Blanchard, LA (10 mi); Bossier City, LA (12 mi); Shreveport, LA (16 mi); Haughton, LA (18 mi); Vivian, LA (19 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller towns nearby: Belcher, LA (7 mi); Gilliam, LA (11 mi); Mooringsport, LA (13 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Benton
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
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.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
A useful rule is to keep the new payment inside the room your budget already has, so the loan eases pressure instead of adding to it.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Benton
The table carries the Louisiana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Benton.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Benton
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Benton:
- 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.