Opelousas at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 15,390, placing it 20th among Louisiana's 302 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 15,841 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down about 2.8% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 20th largest of 302 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 93% of Louisiana's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 30.5249, -92.0817 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Youngsville, LA (30 mi); New Iberia, LA (39 mi); Zachary, LA (55 mi); Alexandria, LA (58 mi); Central, LA (62 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Smaller places close by: Washington, LA (6 mi); Leonville, LA (7 mi); Grand Coteau, LA (8 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Opelousas
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Opelousas
Every figure in the table below is sourced to a publisher with a date; where a state does not publish a number, we say so rather than estimate.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Opelousas
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Opelousas:
- 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 Louisiana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.