Washington at a glance
- Population: about 722, 182nd by size in Louisiana of 302 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 745 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 3.1% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 182nd of 302 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: larger than about 40% of the Census places in Louisiana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 30.6156, longitude -92.0599 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Opelousas, LA (6 mi); Port Barre, LA (7 mi); Leonville, LA (12 mi); Grand Coteau, LA (14 mi); Ville Platte, LA (14 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Palmetto, LA (11 mi); Chataignier, LA (16 mi); Cankton, LA (19 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Washington
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
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 Washington
Read the table as the compliance picture for a lender serving Washington: label, sourced figure, publisher and date.
| 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 Washington
Run through this list before signing anything in Washington:
- 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.