Lake Stevens at a glance
- Population: 40,521 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 31st-largest of 281 places in Washington.
- 2020 Census base: 38,938 people at the 2020 Census, the baseline for the trend below (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 4.1% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 31st out of 281 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 89% of places in Washington rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 48.0034, -122.0968 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Everett, WA (5 mi); Marysville, WA (6 mi); Lynnwood, WA (15 mi); Bothell, WA (17 mi); Edmonds, WA (18 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Snohomish, WA (5 mi); Granite Falls, WA (8 mi); Mill Creek, WA (11 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Lake Stevens
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Washington lending rules that apply in Lake Stevens
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in Lake Stevens, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Lake Stevens
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Lake Stevens:
- 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.