Wales at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 2,947, placing it 217th among Wisconsin's 605 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 2,859 people counted in the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 3.1% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Wisconsin places: 217th by size among 605 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 64% of the places in Wisconsin (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 43.0058, -88.3704.
- Nearest larger cities: Delafield, WI (4 mi); Summit, WI (6 mi); Waukesha, WI (6 mi); Waukesha, WI (7 mi); Hartland, WI (7 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Smaller towns nearby: North Prairie, WI (5 mi); Dousman, WI (5 mi); Nashotah, WI (6 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Wales
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
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.
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.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
Wisconsin lending rules that apply in Wales
The table carries the Wisconsin rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Wales.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per year maximum ($12 per $100) on the declining principal balance, except as authorized by other statutes (Wis. Stat. § 138.05(1)(a)) Source says: At the rate of $12 upon $100 for one year computed upon the declining principal balance of the loan or forbearance | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed by the DFI Division of Banking; statewide database tracking (Wis. Stat. § 138.14) Source says: "Licensee" means a person holding a license issued by the division under sub. (5) | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Licensed lender license required from the Division of Banking (Wis. Stat. § 138.09) Source says: Before any person may do business under this section, that person shall first obtain a license from the division. | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Banking Source says: "Department" means the department of financial institutions | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Wales
The steps below are worth completing first when you borrow in Wales:
- 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 Wisconsin using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.