Lewistown at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 8,418, placing it 93rd among Pennsylvania's 1,013 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 8,573 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down about 1.8% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Pennsylvania places: 93rd largest of 1,013 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 91% of the places in Pennsylvania (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 40.5972, longitude -77.5713 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): State College, PA (20 mi); Carlisle, PA (34 mi); Lock Haven, PA (38 mi); Mechanicsburg, PA (40 mi); Harrisburg, PA (42 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Nearest smaller places: Juniata Terrace, PA (1 mi); Burnham, PA (3 mi); Mifflin, PA (9 mi) (US Census Bureau estimates).
What a personal loan costs in Lewistown
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
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.
Pennsylvania lending rules that apply in Lewistown
The table carries the Pennsylvania rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Lewistown.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Discount Company Act license required for non-mortgage consumer loans above 6%; licensed lenders may charge up to 24% on loans of $25,000 or less. Source says: "A consumer discount company is a business corporation that negotiates or makes non-mortgage loans or advances of money on credit." | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) Source says: "The Department of Banking and Securities regulates financial services in Pennsylvania." | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
| Bank rate-cap exemption (state-specific rule) | Pennsylvania state-chartered banks are not subject to state interest-rate caps (Banking Code Sections 303/506 supersede the LIPL 6% cap). Source says: "Pennsylvania law does not impose any restrictions on the interest rate that Pennsylvania state-chartered banks may charge to customers." (DoBS interpretive letter, May 11, 2023). | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 6% per annum maximum for loans of $50,000 or less where no lower rate is contracted (41 P.S. 201(a)). Source says: "the maximum lawful rate of interest for the loan or use of money... shall be six per cent per annum" (Loan Interest and Protection Law, Section 201(a)). | Pennsylvania General Assembly (Laws of Pennsylvania, Act 6 of 1974) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | No separate payday-lending license; non-bank lenders are limited to 6% (unlicensed) or up to 24% (CDCA-licensed), so high-cost payday loans are not permitted. Source says: "if a lender is licensed by the Department in accord with the CDCA, it can charge between 6-24% on loans under $25,000" (DoBS interpretive letter, May 11, 2023). | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Lewistown
Before you share your details with a lender in Lewistown:
- 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 Pennsylvania using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.