Ridgecrest at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 539 residents, ranking 206th of 302 places in Louisiana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 581 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 7.2% fewer residents than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: the 206th-largest of 302 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: roughly 32% of Louisiana's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 31.6018, -91.5304.
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Ferriday, LA (3 mi); Vidalia, LA (6 mi); Clayton, LA (8 mi); Natchez, MS (9 mi); Jonesville, LA (18 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Waterproof, LA (17 mi); Sicily Island, LA (19 mi); Harrisonburg, LA (21 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Ridgecrest
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
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.
The term is the lever: extend it and the payment falls while total interest climbs; shorten it and the reverse happens.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Ridgecrest
Read the table as the compliance picture for a lender serving Ridgecrest: label, sourced figure, publisher and date.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Ridgecrest
Run through this list before signing anything in Ridgecrest:
- 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.