Chester at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 2,113, placing it 57th among West Virginia's 230 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 2,205 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a loss of about 4.2% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 57th largest of 230 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 75% of places in West Virginia rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 40.6129 latitude, -80.5627 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: East Liverpool, OH (1 mi); Wellsville, OH (5 mi); Midland, PA (6 mi); Ohioville, PA (6 mi); Toronto, OH (11 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Nearest smaller communities: Glasgow, PA (4 mi); Georgetown, PA (4 mi); Hookstown, PA (5 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Chester
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
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 longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Chester
Each row below is a West Virginia rule with its publisher and the date it was retrieved.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Chester
Before you share your details with a lender in Chester:
- 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.