Tenino at a glance
- Population: 1,943 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 168th-largest of 281 places in Washington.
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 1,872 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: an increase of about 3.8% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 168th-largest of 281 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: roughly 40% of places in Washington rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 46.8538, -122.8605 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Rainier, WA (9 mi); Tumwater, WA (10 mi); Centralia, WA (10 mi); Yelm, WA (12 mi); Olympia, WA (13 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Bucoda, WA (4 mi); Oakville, WA (18 mi); Roy, WA (18 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Tenino
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
APR is the figure that lets you compare like with like, since it wraps fees into the rate; run your own numbers with the personal loan calculator.
The term is the lever: extend it and the payment falls while total interest climbs; shorten it and the reverse happens.
Pre-qualification is a good first filter: it shows the rate and amount a lender may offer before you agree to a full application and a hard inquiry.
Washington lending rules that apply in Tenino
The table carries the Washington rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Tenino.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Tenino
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Tenino:
- 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.