Peoria at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 198,750 residents, ranking 8th of 91 places in Arizona (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 190,991 people counted in the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 4.1% growth over the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Arizona places: the 8th-largest of 91 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: about 91% of Arizona's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 33.7862, longitude -112.3080 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Glendale, AZ (19 mi); Phoenix, AZ (19 mi); Scottsdale, AZ (27 mi); Mesa, AZ (43 mi); Chandler, AZ (44 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Nearest smaller communities: Surprise, AZ (12 mi); El Mirage, AZ (14 mi); Youngtown, AZ (14 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Peoria
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
Judge an offer by its APR, which blends the interest rate with fees, and use the personal loan calculator to see the total cost.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
Pre-qualification is a good first filter: it shows the rate and amount a lender may offer before you agree to a full application and a hard inquiry.
Arizona lending rules that apply in Peoria
The table lists the Arizona rules that apply to a loan made in Peoria, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per year default; any rate may be agreed in writing (other than medical debt) Source says: "interest shall be at the rate of ten percent a year, unless a different rate is contracted for in writing". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 44-1201 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Not permitted — payday lending authorization expired June 30, 2010; DIFI no longer licenses payday lenders; consumer loans over 36% APR illegal since July 1, 2010 Source says: "The law allowing payday loans in Arizona expired on June 30, 2010. DIFI no longer licenses payday lenders." | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer lender license required from the deputy director (A.R.S. Title 6, Chapter 5); at least $25,000 in assets readily available per licensed office; license not transferable Source says: "shall not engage in the business of a consumer lender without first being licensed as a consumer lender". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 6-603 as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) Source says: "The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI)". | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Consumer lender loan rate caps (§ 6-632) | Consumer loans: 36% per year on principal up to $3,000; for larger loans, 36% on the first $3,000 and 24% above $3,000 Source says: "a consumer loan rate of thirty-six per cent"; "a consumer loan rate of twenty-four per cent on that part of the principal amount greater than three thousand dollars". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 6-632 as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Peoria
Run through this list before signing anything in Peoria:
- 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 Arizona using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.