Central at a glance
- Population: 29,781 residents, the 9th-largest of 302 places in Louisiana (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 29,563 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 0.7% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 9th of 302 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 97% of Louisiana places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 30.5593 / -91.0355, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Kenner, LA (60 mi); Houma, LA (71 mi); New Orleans, LA (74 mi); Alexandria, LA (99 mi); Hattiesburg, MS (114 mi); each population is a US Census Bureau estimate.
- Nearest smaller towns: Denham Springs, LA (7 mi); Baker, LA (7 mi); Zachary, LA (11 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Central
A personal loan is structured as an installment plan, with a set number of monthly payments and a fixed amount due each time.
The advertised interest rate leaves out fees that the APR captures, which is why APR is the number to weigh; try the personal loan calculator before you apply.
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.
Before you borrow, decide what the loan is for and whether the monthly payment fits a budget you can already meet without taking on new debt.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Central
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Louisiana, and therefore in Central.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Central
Run through this list before signing anything in Central:
- 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 Louisiana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.