Vidalia at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 3,837 residents, ranking 75th of 302 places in Louisiana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 4,025 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 4.7% fewer residents than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 75th largest of 302 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 75% of the Census places in Louisiana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 31.5668, longitude -91.4404 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Natchez, MS (4 mi); Jena, LA (41 mi); Winnsboro, LA (44 mi); Marksville, LA (48 mi); Jackson, LA (52 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller places close by: Ridgecrest, LA (6 mi); Ferriday, LA (8 mi); Clayton, LA (12 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Vidalia
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
A lender weighs your credit profile, income and debts when setting the rate, and a longer term lowers the payment at the cost of more interest overall.
Before you borrow, decide what the loan is for and whether the monthly payment fits a budget you can already meet without taking on new debt.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Vidalia
The table carries the Louisiana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Vidalia.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Vidalia
Run through this list before signing anything in Vidalia:
- 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.