Buckhannon at a glance
- Population: about 5,055, 26th by size in West Virginia of 230 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 5,186 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 2.5% fewer residents than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 26th out of 230 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 89% of West Virginia's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: it sits at 38.9927, -80.2282 in the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Clarksburg, WV (20 mi); Elkins, WV (21 mi); Bridgeport, WV (21 mi); Fairmont, WV (34 mi); Morgantown, WV (47 mi); each population is a US Census Bureau estimate.
- Nearest smaller towns: Jane Lew, WV (13 mi); Weston, WV (13 mi); Lost Creek, WV (13 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Buckhannon
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Pre-qualifying with several lenders takes minutes, uses a soft pull, and gives you real numbers to compare before any hard inquiry.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Buckhannon
The table carries the West Virginia rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Buckhannon.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Buckhannon
Before you commit to a personal loan in Buckhannon, 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.