Metaline Falls at a glance
- Population: 284 residents, the 258th-largest of 281 places in Washington (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 272 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 4.4% growth over the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: the 258th-largest of 281 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 8% of Washington's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 48.8613 latitude, -117.3719 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Ione, WA (9 mi); Northport, WA (19 mi); Colville, WA (32 mi); Kettle Falls, WA (36 mi); Chewelah, WA (43 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Smaller towns nearby: Metaline, WA (1 mi); Marcus, WA (34 mi); Cusick, WA (37 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Metaline Falls
A personal loan is structured as an installment plan, with a set number of monthly payments and a fixed amount due each time.
Because the APR includes origination and finance charges, it is the honest comparison number; the personal loan calculator turns an APR and term into a monthly payment.
Your credit, income and existing debts drive the rate a lender offers, while the term you pick sets how much interest builds on top.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Washington lending rules that apply in Metaline Falls
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in Metaline Falls, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Metaline Falls
A few practical steps will make the process in Metaline Falls 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.