Lamar Heights at a glance
- Population: about 173 residents, ranking 701st of 937 Census places in Missouri (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 171 people at the 2020 Census, the baseline for the trend below (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: up roughly 1.2% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 701st by size among 937 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 25% of Missouri's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 37.4944, longitude -94.2934 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Lamar, MO (1 mi); Jasper, MO (11 mi); Sheldon, MO (11 mi); Golden City, MO (13 mi); Liberal, MO (13 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Nearest smaller communities: Milford, MO (10 mi); Bronaugh, MO (17 mi); Jerico Springs, MO (18 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Lamar Heights
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
Two loans can share an interest rate and still differ in APR once fees are counted, so compare APR; our personal loan calculator shows the difference over the full term.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Lamar Heights
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Lamar Heights
Before you commit to a personal loan in Lamar Heights, work through these steps:
- 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.