St. James at a glance
- Population: 3,903 — 165th in Missouri, which has 937 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 count put the population at 3,934 (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down roughly 0.8% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 165th by size among 937 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 82% of Missouri's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 38.0024, longitude -91.6134 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Rolla, MO (9 mi); Salem, MO (25 mi); Sullivan, MO (28 mi); St. Robert, MO (32 mi); Waynesville, MO (35 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller places close by: Cuba, MO (12 mi); Steelville, MO (14 mi); Doolittle, MO (16 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in St. James
A personal loan is structured as an installment plan, with a set number of monthly payments and a fixed amount due each time.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
Your credit, income and existing debts drive the rate a lender offers, while the term you pick sets how much interest builds on top.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Missouri lending rules that apply in St. James
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Missouri, and therefore in St. James.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in St. James
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in St. James:
- 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.