Forest at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 286, placing it 242nd among Louisiana's 302 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 300 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 4.7% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 242nd-largest of 302 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 20% of Louisiana's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 32.7924, -91.4126 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Oak Grove, LA (5 mi); Epps, LA (14 mi); Lake Providence, LA (14 mi); Kilbourne, LA (15 mi); Wilmot, AR (21 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Pioneer, LA (4 mi); Bonita, LA (18 mi); Oak Ridge, LA (24 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Forest
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
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.
Choosing a longer term eases the monthly budget but adds interest over the life of the loan; a shorter term costs more per month and less overall.
If you are consolidating debt, the loan only helps if you stop adding to the balances it clears; otherwise the total debt grows.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Forest
The Louisiana rate caps and licensing rules that reach Forest are listed below, each with its source and retrieval date.
| 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 Forest
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Forest:
- 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.