Cathlamet at a glance
- Population: 594, the 228th-largest community in Washington out of 281 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 count put the population at 559 (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: up about 6.3% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 228th largest of 281 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 19% of the places in Washington (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 46.2058, longitude -123.3840 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Clatskanie, OR (11 mi); Longview, WA (21 mi); Astoria, OR (21 mi); Rainier, OR (23 mi); Castle Rock, WA (23 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Prescott, OR (26 mi); Nehalem, OR (42 mi); Wheeler, OR (43 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Cathlamet
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
The term is the lever: extend it and the payment falls while total interest climbs; shorten it and the reverse happens.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Washington lending rules that apply in Cathlamet
The table carries the Washington rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Cathlamet.
| 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 Cathlamet
Before you share your details with a lender in Cathlamet:
- 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.