Merwin at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 70, placing it 845th among Missouri's 937 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 67 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 4.5% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Missouri places: 845th of 937 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: roughly 10% of Missouri's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 38.4041, longitude -94.5908 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Amsterdam, MO (4 mi); Drexel, MO (7 mi); Linn Valley, KS (7 mi); La Cygne, KS (10 mi); Amoret, MO (10 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller towns nearby: Passaic, MO (14 mi); Metz, MO (29 mi); Stotesbury, MO (30 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Merwin
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
APR is the figure that lets you compare like with like, since it wraps fees into the rate; run your own numbers with the personal loan calculator.
Choosing a longer term eases the monthly budget but adds interest over the life of the loan; a shorter term costs more per month and less overall.
Pre-qualification is a good first filter: it shows the rate and amount a lender may offer before you agree to a full application and a hard inquiry.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Merwin
Each row below is a Missouri rule with its publisher and the date it was retrieved.
| 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 Merwin
Before you commit to a personal loan in Merwin, 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.