Rolla at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 20,423, placing it 35th among Missouri's 937 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 19,937 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.4% growth over the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 35th of the state's 937 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 96% of places in Missouri are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 37.9459, -91.7612 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Jefferson City, MO (48 mi); Wildwood, MO (74 mi); Columbia, MO (76 mi); Wentzville, MO (77 mi); Ballwin, MO (80 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Nearest smaller towns: Doolittle, MO (7 mi); Newburg, MO (8 mi); St. James, MO (9 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Rolla
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
The advertised interest rate leaves out fees that the APR captures, which is why APR is the number to weigh; try the personal loan calculator before you apply.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
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.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Rolla
Each row below is a Missouri rule with its publisher and the date it was retrieved.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — unsecured loans of $500 or less require a license from the Director of the Division of Finance (RSMo § 408.500) Source says: "in the business of making unsecured loans of five hundred dollars or less shall obtain a license from the director of the division of finance" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer credit lenders licensed and regulated by the Division of Finance's consumer credit section (Chapters 367 and 408, RSMo) Source says: "The consumer credit section of the Missouri Division of Finance is responsible for licensing and regulating various types of consumer finance companies" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Missouri Division of Finance (Department of Commerce and Insurance) Source says: "We regulate state-chartered banks, trust companies, consumer credit facilities, mortgage brokers, and savings and loan institutions" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Additional loan fee cap (30+ day loans) | Up to 10% of principal, capped at $100 (RSMo § 408.140) Source says: "a fee, not to exceed ten percent of the principal amount loaned not to exceed one hundred dollars may be charged by the lender" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per annum, or the higher published 'market rate' (RSMo § 408.030) Source says: "a rate of interest not exceeding ten percent per annum on money due or to become due upon any contract" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Rolla
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Rolla:
- 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 Missouri using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.