Bethany at a glance
- Population: 756 residents, the 118th-largest of 230 places in West Virginia (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 776 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.6% below the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 118th by size among 230 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 49% of West Virginia's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 40.2048, -80.5609 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: West Liberty, WV (3 mi); Wellsburg, WV (6 mi); Tiltonsville, OH (8 mi); Yorkville, OH (8 mi); Mingo Junction, OH (9 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Beech Bottom, WV (5 mi); Windsor Heights, WV (6 mi); Rayland, OH (7 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Bethany
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
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.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Bethany
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in West Virginia, and therefore in Bethany.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) Source says: The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is charged with the regulation and supervision of financial institutions chartered by the State of West Virginia. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 31% per year on unsecured loans of $3,500 or less; 27% on $3,500–$15,000; 18% above $15,000 (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-107) Source says: the loan finance charge, calculated according to the actuarial method, may not exceed 31 percent per year | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Traditional payday lending is generally prohibited; check cashers are regulated under W. Va. Code ch. 32A Source says: Traditional "Payday Lenders" are generally prohibited within this state. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated consumer lender license required from the Commissioner (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-101) Source says: Unless a person has first obtained a license from the commissioner authorizing the person to make regulated consumer loans | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Bethany
Before you commit to a personal loan in Bethany, 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 West Virginia using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.