Eldon at a glance
- Population: 4,602 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 148th-largest of 937 places in Missouri.
- 2020 Census base: 4,414 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 4.3% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 148th in population of 937 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 84% of the Census places in Missouri (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 38.3512 / -92.5767, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Osage Beach, MO (15 mi); Jefferson City, MO (26 mi); Holts Summit, MO (32 mi); Ashland, MO (37 mi); Waynesville, MO (42 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Nearest smaller places: Olean, MO (5 mi); Barnett, MO (6 mi); Bagnell, MO (8 mi) (US Census Bureau estimates).
What a personal loan costs in Eldon
A personal loan is an installment loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments over a set term, usually two to seven years.
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.
Lenders weigh your credit history, income and debts when they set the rate, and the term you choose then determines how that rate compounds into total cost.
If you are consolidating debt, the loan only helps if you stop adding to the balances it clears; otherwise the total debt grows.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Eldon
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Missouri, and therefore in Eldon.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Eldon
Before you share your details with a lender in Eldon:
- 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.