Charleston at a glance
- Population: 4,483 people, the 153rd-largest place among Missouri's 937 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 5,054 people at the 2020 Census, the baseline for the trend below (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 11.3% fewer residents than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 153rd largest of 937 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 84% of Missouri's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 36.9169, -89.3339 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Sikeston, MO (14 mi); Cape Girardeau, MO (30 mi); Dexter, MO (36 mi); Jackson, MO (37 mi); Union City, TN (37 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Wilson City, MO (6 mi); Diehlstadt, MO (6 mi); Anniston, MO (6 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Charleston
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is pledged, and they are repaid in equal installments over a fixed term.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
The term is the lever: extend it and the payment falls while total interest climbs; shorten it and the reverse happens.
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.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Charleston
The table lists the Missouri rules that apply to a loan made in Charleston, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Additional loan fee cap (30+ day loans) | Up to 10% of principal, capped at $100 (RSMo § 408.140) Source says: "a fee, not to exceed ten percent of the principal amount loaned not to exceed one hundred dollars may be charged by the lender" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per annum, or the higher published 'market rate' (RSMo § 408.030) Source says: "a rate of interest not exceeding ten percent per annum on money due or to become due upon any contract" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — unsecured loans of $500 or less require a license from the Director of the Division of Finance (RSMo § 408.500) Source says: "in the business of making unsecured loans of five hundred dollars or less shall obtain a license from the director of the division of finance" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer credit lenders licensed and regulated by the Division of Finance's consumer credit section (Chapters 367 and 408, RSMo) Source says: "The consumer credit section of the Missouri Division of Finance is responsible for licensing and regulating various types of consumer finance companies" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Missouri Division of Finance (Department of Commerce and Insurance) Source says: "We regulate state-chartered banks, trust companies, consumer credit facilities, mortgage brokers, and savings and loan institutions" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Charleston
These steps are the ones that most affect the offer you receive in Charleston:
- 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 Missouri using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.