St. Louis at a glance
- Population: 7,008 people, the 124th-largest place among Michigan's 533 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 7,011 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: stable between the 2020 base and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Michigan places: 124th in population of 533 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 77% of Michigan's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 43.4085, -84.6112 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Alma, MI (3 mi); Mount Pleasant, MI (15 mi); Midland, MI (24 mi); St. Johns, MI (28 mi); Saginaw, MI (33 mi); each population is a US Census Bureau estimate.
- Nearest smaller towns: Breckenridge, MI (7 mi); Ithaca, MI (8 mi); Shepherd, MI (9 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in St. Louis
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
Two loans can share an interest rate and still differ in APR once fees are counted, so compare APR; our personal loan calculator shows the difference over the full term.
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.
Michigan lending rules that apply in St. Louis
The table carries the Michigan rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in St. Louis.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 7% per annum maximum by written agreement; 5% legal rate (MCL 438.31) Source says: "it shall be lawful for the parties to stipulate in writing for the payment of any rate of interest, not exceeding 7% per annum" | Michigan Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment service transactions (2005 PA 244; MCL 487.2121 et seq.), licensed and regulated by DIFS Source says: "AN ACT to regulate the business of providing deferred presentment service transactions; to require the licensing of providers of deferred presentment service transactions" | Michigan Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | License required from the commissioner to make regulated loans (Regulatory Loan Act, MCL 493.1 et seq.) Source says: "a person shall not engage in the business of making loans of money ... without first obtaining a license from the commissioner" | Michigan Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Source says: ""Department" means the department of insurance and financial services" | Michigan Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Regulated lender interest/finance charge cap | 25% per annum (Credit Reform Act, MCL 445.1854(1)) Source says: "may charge, collect, and receive any rate of interest or finance charge for an extension of credit not to exceed 25% per annum" | Michigan Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in St. Louis
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in St. Louis:
- 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 Michigan using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.