Ste. Genevieve at a glance
- Population: 5,037, the 133rd-largest community in Missouri out of 937 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 5,001 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a gain of roughly 0.7% between the 2020 count and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 133rd largest of 937 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 86% of Missouri's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 37.9750, -90.0500 (Census Gazetteer, US Census Bureau).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Chester, IL (13 mi); Perryville, MO (20 mi); Farmington, MO (25 mi); Festus, MO (26 mi); Waterloo, IL (26 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller places nearby: Prairie du Rocher, IL (8 mi); Ellis Grove, IL (8 mi); Kaskaskia, IL (8 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Ste. Genevieve
A personal loan is an installment loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments over a set term, usually two to seven years.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
Choosing a longer term eases the monthly budget but adds interest over the life of the loan; a shorter term costs more per month and less overall.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Ste. Genevieve
The table carries the Missouri rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Ste. Genevieve.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Ste. Genevieve
Before you commit to a personal loan in Ste. Genevieve, work through these steps:
- 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.