Leslie at a glance
- Population: roughly 135 people; 746th of 937 places in Missouri (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 135 people counted in the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about the same as at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 746th out of 937 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 20% of Missouri places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 38.4177, longitude -91.2308 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Gerald, MO (6 mi); Rosebud, MO (10 mi); Union, MO (13 mi); New Haven, MO (13 mi); St. Clair, MO (14 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller towns nearby: Charmwood, MO (12 mi); Miramiguoa Park, MO (15 mi); Three Creeks, MO (17 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Leslie
A personal loan is an installment loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments over a set term, usually two to seven years.
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.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
A useful rule is to keep the new payment inside the room your budget already has, so the loan eases pressure instead of adding to it.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Leslie
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Missouri, and therefore in Leslie.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Leslie
A few practical steps will make the process in Leslie 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 Missouri using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.