Kotzebue at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 2,979, placing it 17th among Alaska's 149 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 count put the population at 3,098 (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down about 3.8% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Alaska places: 17th of 149 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: about 89% of Alaska's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 66.8868, -162.4917 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: there is no larger Census place within 120 miles.
- Smaller places nearby: Noorvik, AK (40 mi); Kiana, AK (56 mi); Deering, AK (57 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Kotzebue
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.
A lender weighs your credit profile, income and debts when setting the rate, and a longer term lowers the payment at the cost of more interest overall.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Alaska lending rules that apply in Kotzebue
The table carries the Alaska rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Kotzebue.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Permitted — licensed deferred deposit advances; max $500 outstanding per borrower; origination fee ≤$5; fee ≤$15 per $100 or 15%; minimum 14-day term Source says: "may not make advances to an advance recipient that exceed $500 outstanding in advances to the recipient at one time"; "a fee that does not exceed $15 for each $100 of an advance, or 15 percent of the total amount of the advance". | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes §§ 06.50.410, 06.50.460 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | License required from the department to make loans of $25,000 or less at above-legal rates; $25,000 liquid assets and $25,000 bond required Source says: "without first obtaining a license from the department"; "liquid assets of at least $25,000". | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes §§ 06.20.010, 06.20.040 as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (Division of Banking and Securities) Source says: "department means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development". The Division of Banking and Securities (commerce.alaska.gov/web/dbs) administers the department's lending license programs. | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes § 06.50.900(5) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10.5% per annum default; by contract, the greater of 10% or 5 percentage points above the 12th Federal Reserve District advance rate (loans over $25,000 exempt) Source says: "The rate of interest in the state is 10.5 percent a year and no more on money after it is due"; "more than the greater of 10 percent or five percentage points above the annual rate charged member banks for advances by the 12th Federal Reserve District". | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes § 45.45.010 as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Kotzebue
Before you share your details with a lender in Kotzebue:
- 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 Alaska using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.