South Charleston at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 13,281, placing it 11th among West Virginia's 230 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 13,900 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a decline of roughly 4.5% between the 2020 count and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 11th by size among 230 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 95% of West Virginia's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 38.3408, -81.7108 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Charleston, WV (4 mi); Huntington, WV (40 mi); Beckley, WV (49 mi); Ashland, KY (51 mi); Parkersburg, WV (64 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Smaller places nearby: Dunbar, WV (2 mi); St. Albans, WV (6 mi); Nitro, WV (7 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in South Charleston
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in South Charleston
Each row below is a West Virginia rule with its publisher and the date it was retrieved.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated consumer lender license required from the Commissioner (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-101) Source says: Unless a person has first obtained a license from the commissioner authorizing the person to make regulated consumer loans | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) Source says: The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is charged with the regulation and supervision of financial institutions chartered by the State of West Virginia. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 31% per year on unsecured loans of $3,500 or less; 27% on $3,500–$15,000; 18% above $15,000 (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-107) Source says: the loan finance charge, calculated according to the actuarial method, may not exceed 31 percent per year | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Traditional payday lending is generally prohibited; check cashers are regulated under W. Va. Code ch. 32A Source says: Traditional "Payday Lenders" are generally prohibited within this state. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in South Charleston
Before you share your details with a lender in South Charleston:
- 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 West Virginia using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.