Waterville at a glance
- Population: 1,128 residents, the 196th-largest of 281 places in Washington (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 1,132 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 0.4% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 196th in population of 281 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 30% of Washington's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 47.6480, -120.0707 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Entiat, WA (7 mi); Chelan, WA (14 mi); East Wenatchee, WA (19 mi); Wenatchee, WA (19 mi); Rock Island, WA (19 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Nearest smaller towns: Mansfield, WA (23 mi); Pateros, WA (29 mi); Coulee City, WA (36 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Waterville
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
Because the APR includes origination and finance charges, it is the honest comparison number; the personal loan calculator turns an APR and term into a monthly payment.
Your credit, income and existing debts drive the rate a lender offers, while the term you pick sets how much interest builds on top.
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 Waterville
The table carries the Washington rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Waterville.
| 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 Waterville
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Waterville:
- 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.