Burlington at a glance
- Population: 10,358 people, the 90th-largest place among Washington's 281 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 9,165 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 13.0% more residents than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 90th out of 281 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 68% of places in Washington are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 48.4664 / -122.3289, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Mount Vernon, WA (3 mi); Sedro-Woolley, WA (5 mi); Anacortes, WA (14 mi); Oak Harbor, WA (18 mi); Bellingham, WA (21 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Nearest smaller communities: La Conner, WA (9 mi); Lyman, WA (13 mi); Stanwood, WA (15 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Burlington
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
APR, not the simple interest rate, reflects what the loan actually costs once fees are included; the personal loan calculator puts a figure on it.
A lender weighs your credit profile, income and debts when setting the rate, and a longer term lowers the payment at the cost of more interest overall.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Washington lending rules that apply in Burlington
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in Burlington, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Burlington
Run through this list before signing anything in Burlington:
- 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.