Townsend at a glance
- Population: about 2,133 residents, ranking 33rd of 127 Census places in Montana (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 1,804 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: up roughly 18.2% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: 33rd by size among 127 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 74% of places in Montana are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 46.3192, longitude -111.5196 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: East Helena, MT (26 mi); Helena, MT (31 mi); Belgrade, MT (41 mi); Bozeman, MT (49 mi); Deer Lodge, MT (58 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Smaller towns nearby: Boulder, MT (29 mi); Three Forks, MT (30 mi); Manhattan, MT (33 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Townsend
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
The offer you receive reflects the lender's read of your credit, income and debts, and the term controls the balance between payment size and total interest.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Montana lending rules that apply in Townsend
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required under the Montana Consumer Loan Act (32-5-101); licensing through NMLS Source says: "A consumer loan license is needed to engage in business as defined in the Montana Consumer Loan Act" | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (BFID), Department of Administration Source says: "The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Division) does all of its licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)." | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Deferred deposit loan license requirement (MCA 31-1-705) | A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department Source says: "A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department." | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Greater of 15% or prime rate + 6 percentage points per year (written agreement); regulated lenders exempt Source says: "Parties may agree in writing to the payment of any rate of interest that does not exceed the greater of 15%" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal; deferred deposit lenders must be licensed; fee capped at 36% per annum Source says: "A licensee may not charge a fee for making or carrying each deferred deposit loan authorized by this part that exceeds 36% per annum" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Townsend
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Townsend:
- 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 Montana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.