Bridgeport at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 9,377 residents, ranking 14th of 230 places in West Virginia (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 9,327 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 0.5% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 14th largest of 230 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 94% of West Virginia places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: it sits at 39.3034, -80.2429 in the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Clarksburg, WV (7 mi); Fairmont, WV (13 mi); Morgantown, WV (28 mi); Uniontown, PA (50 mi); Wheeling, WV (58 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Nearest smaller towns: Anmoore, WV (4 mi); Stonewood, WV (5 mi); Nutter Fort, WV (5 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Bridgeport
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
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.
Pre-qualification is a good first filter: it shows the rate and amount a lender may offer before you agree to a full application and a hard inquiry.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Bridgeport
The table carries the West Virginia rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Bridgeport.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Bridgeport
A few practical steps will make the process in Bridgeport less costly:
- 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.