West Yellowstone at a glance
- Population: about 1,222, 50th by size in Montana of 127 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 1,273 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down roughly 4.0% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: 50th largest of 127 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 61% of the Census places in Montana (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 44.6622, -111.1070 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: St. Anthony, ID (56 mi); Sugar City, ID (63 mi); Driggs, ID (64 mi); Rexburg, ID (67 mi); Bozeman, MT (71 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Nearest smaller towns: Island Park, ID (14 mi); Ashton, ID (44 mi); Drummond, ID (47 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in West Yellowstone
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
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.
Montana lending rules that apply in West Yellowstone
The table lists the Montana rules that apply to a loan made in West Yellowstone, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred deposit loan license requirement (MCA 31-1-705) | A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department Source says: "A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department." | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Greater of 15% or prime rate + 6 percentage points per year (written agreement); regulated lenders exempt Source says: "Parties may agree in writing to the payment of any rate of interest that does not exceed the greater of 15%" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal; deferred deposit lenders must be licensed; fee capped at 36% per annum Source says: "A licensee may not charge a fee for making or carrying each deferred deposit loan authorized by this part that exceeds 36% per annum" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required under the Montana Consumer Loan Act (32-5-101); licensing through NMLS Source says: "A consumer loan license is needed to engage in business as defined in the Montana Consumer Loan Act" | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (BFID), Department of Administration Source says: "The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Division) does all of its licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)." | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in West Yellowstone
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in West Yellowstone:
- 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 Montana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.