Oak Harbor at a glance
- Population: 24,016 — 47th in Washington, which has 281 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 24,620 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.5% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 47th-largest of 281 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 83% of the places in Washington (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 48.2938 latitude, -122.6282 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Mount Vernon, WA (17 mi); Marysville, WA (26 mi); Everett, WA (30 mi); Lake Stevens, WA (32 mi); Bellingham, WA (33 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: Coupeville, WA (6 mi); La Conner, WA (9 mi); Anacortes, WA (13 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Oak Harbor
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is pledged, and they are repaid in equal installments over a fixed term.
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.
Lenders weigh your credit history, income and debts when they set the rate, and the term you choose then determines how that rate compounds into total cost.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Washington lending rules that apply in Oak Harbor
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in Oak Harbor, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Oak Harbor
Before you commit to a personal loan in Oak Harbor, 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.