Matthews at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 506 residents, ranking 464th of 937 places in Missouri (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 533 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a loss of about 5.1% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 464th of the state's 937 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 50% of Missouri's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 36.7568 / -89.5675, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Sikeston, MO (9 mi); Morehouse, MO (9 mi); East Prairie, MO (10 mi); Miner, MO (11 mi); Lilbourn, MO (12 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller towns: Canalou, MO (7 mi); North Lilbourn, MO (11 mi); Catron, MO (13 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Matthews
A personal loan is structured as an installment plan, with a set number of monthly payments and a fixed amount due each time.
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 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.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Matthews
The table carries the Missouri rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Matthews.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Matthews
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Matthews:
- 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.