Wauwatosa at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 47,038 residents, ranking 14th of 605 places in Wisconsin (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 48,380 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: population fell about 2.8% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Wisconsin places: 14th of 605 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: about 98% of places in Wisconsin are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 43.0632 latitude, -88.0356 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Milwaukee, WI (3 mi); West Allis, WI (4 mi); Waukesha, WI (11 mi); Racine, WI (26 mi); Kenosha, WI (34 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Elm Grove, WI (3 mi); Butler, WI (4 mi); Brookfield, WI (4 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Wauwatosa
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.
The offer you receive reflects the lender's read of your credit, income and debts, and the term controls the balance between payment size and total interest.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Wisconsin lending rules that apply in Wauwatosa
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Wisconsin, and therefore in Wauwatosa.
| 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 Wauwatosa
The steps below are worth completing first when you borrow in Wauwatosa:
- 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.