Welsh at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 3,289 residents, ranking 80th of 302 places in Louisiana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 3,331 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 1.3% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 80th of the state's 302 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 74% of places in Louisiana rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 30.2356, -92.8124.
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Jennings, LA (9 mi); Lake Charles, LA (24 mi); Crowley, LA (26 mi); Westlake, LA (27 mi); Eunice, LA (29 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: Fenton, LA (11 mi); Iowa, LA (12 mi); Lake Arthur, LA (13 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Welsh
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
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.
The term is the lever: extend it and the payment falls while total interest climbs; shorten it and the reverse happens.
A useful rule is to keep the new payment inside the room your budget already has, so the loan eases pressure instead of adding to it.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Welsh
The table carries the Louisiana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Welsh.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Welsh
Before you share your details with a lender in Welsh:
- 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.