Sterlington at a glance
- Population: 2,365 — 106th in Louisiana, which has 302 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 1,977 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: an increase of about 19.6% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 106th by size among 302 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 65% of the places in Louisiana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 32.6889, longitude -92.0603 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Bastrop, LA (11 mi); Monroe, LA (12 mi); West Monroe, LA (13 mi); Richwood, LA (17 mi); Farmerville, LA (21 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller towns nearby: Collinston, LA (11 mi); Mer Rouge, LA (17 mi); Oak Ridge, LA (17 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Sterlington
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
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.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Sterlington
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Sterlington
A few practical steps will make the process in Sterlington less costly:
- 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 Louisiana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.