Wautoma at a glance
- Population: 2,220 residents, the 250th-largest of 605 places in Wisconsin (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 2,209 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 0.5% more residents than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Wisconsin places: 250th largest of 605 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 59% of Wisconsin's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 44.0674, -89.2911 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Berlin, WI (18 mi); Waupaca, WI (22 mi); Ripon, WI (27 mi); Omro, WI (28 mi); Winneconne, WI (29 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Neshkoro, WI (8 mi); Wild Rose, WI (8 mi); Lohrville, WI (9 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Wautoma
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
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 longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Wisconsin lending rules that apply in Wautoma
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Wautoma
Before you commit to a personal loan in Wautoma, work through these steps:
- 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.