Star at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 16,333, placing it 19th among Idaho's 197 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 11,264 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: up roughly 45.0% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Idaho places: 19th by size among 197 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 90% of Idaho's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 43.7042, longitude -116.4878 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Eagle, ID (6 mi); Meridian, ID (8 mi); Nampa, ID (9 mi); Caldwell, ID (9 mi); Kuna, ID (13 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Smaller places nearby: Middleton, ID (6 mi); Garden City, ID (10 mi); Emmett, ID (11 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Star
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
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.
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.
Idaho lending rules that apply in Star
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF) Source says: "Safeguarding the financial health of Idahoans through the appropriate oversight of diverse financial institutions, the education and protection of consumers". | Idaho Department of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Idaho Credit Code finance-charge rule | No statutory maximum finance-charge rate — rate as agreed by the parties (Idaho Credit Code) Source says: "the rate of finance charge shall be that which is agreed upon between the parties to the transaction". | Idaho State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum legal rate (when no written contract fixes a different rate) Source says: "interest is allowed at the rate of twelve cents (12¢) on the hundred by the year". | Idaho State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Permitted under license (payday loan license required) Source says: "No person shall engage in the business of payday loans ... without having first obtained a license under this chapter". | Idaho State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated Lenders License required (regulated consumer loans) Source says: "unless a person is exempt ... he shall not engage in the business of: (a) Making regulated consumer loans". | Idaho State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Star
Before you share your details with a lender in Star:
- 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 Idaho using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.