DeRidder at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 9,594, placing it 34th among Louisiana's 302 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 9,851 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: down roughly 2.6% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: the 34th-largest of 302 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: larger than about 89% of the Census places in Louisiana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 30.8450 latitude, -93.2952 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Sulphur, LA (43 mi); Lake Charles, LA (45 mi); Orange, TX (57 mi); Alexandria, LA (58 mi); Natchitoches, LA (63 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Nearest smaller places: Rosepine, LA (6 mi); Merryville, LA (15 mi); New Llano, LA (18 mi) (US Census Bureau estimates).
What a personal loan costs in DeRidder
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
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.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in DeRidder
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Louisiana, and therefore in DeRidder.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in DeRidder
A few practical steps will make the process in DeRidder less costly:
- 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.