Sidney at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 6,112 residents, ranking 15th of 127 places in Montana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 6,344 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 3.7% below the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: the 15th-largest of 127 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 88% of the places in Montana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 47.7155, -104.1672 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Williston, ND (41 mi); Dickinson, ND (86 mi); Miles City, MT (120 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Fairview, MT (11 mi); Alexander, ND (26 mi); Bainville, MT (30 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Sidney
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
APR is the figure that lets you compare like with like, since it wraps fees into the rate; run your own numbers with the personal loan calculator.
A lender weighs your credit profile, income and debts when setting the rate, and a longer term lowers the payment at the cost of more interest overall.
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.
Montana lending rules that apply in Sidney
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (BFID), Department of Administration Source says: "The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Division) does all of its licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)." | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Deferred deposit loan license requirement (MCA 31-1-705) | A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department Source says: "A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department." | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Greater of 15% or prime rate + 6 percentage points per year (written agreement); regulated lenders exempt Source says: "Parties may agree in writing to the payment of any rate of interest that does not exceed the greater of 15%" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal; deferred deposit lenders must be licensed; fee capped at 36% per annum Source says: "A licensee may not charge a fee for making or carrying each deferred deposit loan authorized by this part that exceeds 36% per annum" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required under the Montana Consumer Loan Act (32-5-101); licensing through NMLS Source says: "A consumer loan license is needed to engage in business as defined in the Montana Consumer Loan Act" | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Sidney
Before you commit to a personal loan in Sidney, work through these steps:
- 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 Montana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.