Wellston at a glance
- Population: 1,583 — 272nd in Missouri, which has 937 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 1,537 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 3.0% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 272nd largest of 937 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 71% of Missouri's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 38.6750 / -90.2940, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Pagedale, MO (1 mi); Pine Lawn, MO (2 mi); Hanley Hills, MO (2 mi); Northwoods, MO (2 mi); University City, MO (2 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Hillsdale, MO (1 mi); Velda Village Hills, MO (1 mi); Velda City, MO (1 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Wellston
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
Two loans can share an interest rate and still differ in APR once fees are counted, so compare APR; our personal loan calculator shows the difference over the full term.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
Pre-qualifying with several lenders takes minutes, uses a soft pull, and gives you real numbers to compare before any hard inquiry.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Wellston
Where a figure is not published by the state, the row points to the source instead of guessing.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | Missouri Division of Finance (Department of Commerce and Insurance) Source says: "We regulate state-chartered banks, trust companies, consumer credit facilities, mortgage brokers, and savings and loan institutions" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Additional loan fee cap (30+ day loans) | Up to 10% of principal, capped at $100 (RSMo § 408.140) Source says: "a fee, not to exceed ten percent of the principal amount loaned not to exceed one hundred dollars may be charged by the lender" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per annum, or the higher published 'market rate' (RSMo § 408.030) Source says: "a rate of interest not exceeding ten percent per annum on money due or to become due upon any contract" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — unsecured loans of $500 or less require a license from the Director of the Division of Finance (RSMo § 408.500) Source says: "in the business of making unsecured loans of five hundred dollars or less shall obtain a license from the director of the division of finance" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer credit lenders licensed and regulated by the Division of Finance's consumer credit section (Chapters 367 and 408, RSMo) Source says: "The consumer credit section of the Missouri Division of Finance is responsible for licensing and regulating various types of consumer finance companies" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Wellston
Before you share your details with a lender in Wellston:
- 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 Missouri using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.