Ocean Shores at a glance
- Population: about 7,549, 107th by size in Washington of 281 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 6,710 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: up about 12.5% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 107th in population of 281 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 62% of the Census places in Washington (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 46.9654, longitude -124.1472 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Hoquiam, WA (11 mi); Aberdeen, WA (16 mi); Shelton, WA (52 mi); Astoria, OR (56 mi); Tumwater, WA (58 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Smaller places close by: Westport, WA (5 mi); Cosmopolis, WA (18 mi); South Bend, WA (26 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Ocean Shores
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
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.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Washington lending rules that apply in Ocean Shores
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in Ocean Shores, 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 Ocean Shores
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Ocean Shores:
- 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.