St. Thomas at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 223 residents, ranking 639th of 937 places in Missouri (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 220 people counted in the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 1.4% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Missouri places: 639th largest of 937 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 32% of places in Missouri are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 38.3670, longitude -92.2160 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: St. Elizabeth, MO (8 mi); Wardsville, MO (9 mi); Taos, MO (11 mi); Westphalia, MO (13 mi); Jefferson City, MO (14 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Smaller places nearby: Meta, MO (5 mi); Argyle, MO (11 mi); Lohman, MO (15 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in St. Thomas
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
The advertised interest rate leaves out fees that the APR captures, which is why APR is the number to weigh; try the personal loan calculator before you apply.
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.
Missouri lending rules that apply in St. Thomas
The table lists the Missouri rules that apply to a loan made in St. Thomas, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in St. Thomas
These steps are the ones that most affect the offer you receive in St. Thomas:
- 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.