Palmer at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 136, placing it 762nd among Iowa's 940 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 139 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.2% below the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Iowa places: 762nd largest of 940 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 19% of places in Iowa rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 42.6301, -94.5985.
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Pomeroy, IA (7 mi); Manson, IA (8 mi); Pocahontas, IA (8 mi); Gilmore City, IA (11 mi); Fonda, IA (13 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller places: Jolley, IA (12 mi); Knierim, IA (14 mi); Havelock, IA (15 mi) (US Census Bureau estimates).
What a personal loan costs in Palmer
A personal loan hands you a single sum and a repayment schedule of equal monthly installments over an agreed term.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Pre-qualifying with several lenders takes minutes, uses a soft pull, and gives you real numbers to compare before any hard inquiry.
Iowa lending rules that apply in Palmer
The table carries the Iowa rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Palmer.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 2 percentage points above the monthly average 10-year U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate (written agreements) Source says: "The maximum lawful rate of interest ... in any written agreement ... shall be two percentage points above the monthly average ten-year constant maturity interest rate". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Permitted under license (delayed deposit services; must be physically located in Iowa) Source says: "A person shall not operate a delayed deposit services business in this state unless the person is physically located in this state and licensed by the superintendent". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated Loan Act license required (superintendent of banking) Source says: "shall not engage in the business of making loans ... without first obtaining a license from the superintendent of banking". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB), Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services Source says: "As part of the 2023 state government realignment, the IDOB became part of a new Department of Insurance and Financial Services". | Iowa Division of Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
| Delayed deposit fee cap | Fee cap: $15 on first $100 of check face amount; $10 on subsequent $100 increments Source says: "fifteen dollars on the first one hundred dollars ... or more than ten dollars on subsequent one hundred dollar increments". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Palmer
These steps are the ones that most affect the offer you receive in Palmer:
- 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 Iowa using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.