St. Marys at a glance
- Population: 1,762 residents, the 62nd-largest of 230 places in West Virginia (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 1,833 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 3.9% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: the 62nd-largest of 230 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: about 73% of West Virginia's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 39.3944 latitude, -81.2037 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Marietta, OH (13 mi); Williamstown, WV (13 mi); Vienna, WV (18 mi); Paden City, WV (20 mi); Parkersburg, WV (20 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: Belmont, WV (3 mi); Matamoras (New Matamoras), OH (11 mi); Friendly, WV (11 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in St. Marys
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.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in St. Marys
The table lists the West Virginia rules that apply to a loan made in St. Marys, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in St. Marys
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in St. Marys:
- 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.