Richland at a glance
- Population: about 63,757, 20th by size in Washington of 281 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 60,594 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 5.2% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Washington places: 20th-largest of 281 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: about 93% of Washington's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 46.2870, -119.2940 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Kennewick, WA (8 mi); Pasco, WA (8 mi); Yakima, WA (63 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: West Richland, WA (5 mi); Benton City, WA (9 mi); Prosser, WA (23 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Richland
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
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.
If you are consolidating debt, the loan only helps if you stop adding to the balances it clears; otherwise the total debt grows.
Washington lending rules that apply in Richland
The table carries the Washington rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Richland.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Richland
A few practical steps will make the process in Richland less costly:
- 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.