Island Heights at a glance
- Population: 1,699 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 272nd-largest of 323 places in New Jersey.
- 2020 Census base: 1,657 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.5% growth over the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among New Jersey places: 272nd largest of 323 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 16% of the Census places in New Jersey (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 39.9418, longitude -74.1438 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Ocean Gate, NJ (1 mi); Pine Beach, NJ (1 mi); Beachwood, NJ (3 mi); South Toms River, NJ (3 mi); Seaside Heights, NJ (3 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: Seaside Park, NJ (4 mi); Mantoloking, NJ (9 mi); Bay Head, NJ (10 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Island Heights
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
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.
New Jersey lending rules that apply in Island Heights
The table carries the New Jersey rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Island Heights.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal usury limits | 30% for non-corporate borrowers; 50% for corporations Source says: "the criminal usury limitation is 50 percent for corporations and 30 percent for non-corporate borrowers" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Civil usury: rates above 6% (agreement not in writing) or above 16% (written contract specifying the rate) Source says: "the civil usury rate is any interest rate greater than 6 percent for an agreement that is not in writing" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Unlicensed payday lending violates New Jersey's civil and criminal usury rates; payday lenders must be licensed Source says: "out-of-state or foreign entities that have not obtained the required New Jersey license and whose payment terms violate New Jersey's civil and criminal usury rates" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer lender license required for loans of $50,000 or less for personal, family, or household purposes (N.J.S.A. 17:11C-1 et seq.) Source says: "A consumer lender license is required for the making of a loan that is to be used primarily for personal, family or household purposes" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI); Office of Consumer Finance supervises consumer lenders Source says: "The Office of Consumer Finance regulates 16 types of businesses that provide a variety of consumer financial services." | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Island Heights
A few practical steps will make the process in Island Heights 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 New Jersey using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.