Diamond at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 872 residents, ranking 361st of 937 places in Missouri (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 834 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 4.6% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 361st in population of 937 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 61% of Missouri's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 36.9971, -94.3154 (Census Gazetteer, US Census Bureau).
- Nearest larger cities: Granby, MO (6 mi); Duenweg, MO (8 mi); Duquesne, MO (9 mi); Carthage, MO (11 mi); Neosho, MO (11 mi) (Census populations, approximate straight-line distance).
- Smaller towns nearby: Fidelity, MO (6 mi); Ritchey, MO (8 mi); Saginaw, MO (9 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Diamond
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
Because the APR includes origination and finance charges, it is the honest comparison number; the personal loan calculator turns an APR and term into a monthly payment.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Diamond
The Missouri rate caps and licensing rules that reach Diamond are listed below, each with its source and retrieval date.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Diamond
Before you commit to a personal loan in Diamond, work through these steps:
- 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.