Westby at a glance
- Population: 165, the 110th-largest community in Montana out of 127 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 167 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down about 1.2% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: 110th in population of 127 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 13% of Montana places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 48.8705, longitude -104.0571 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Grenora, ND (18 mi); Plentywood, MT (24 mi); Medicine Lake, MT (33 mi); Crosby, ND (35 mi); Froid, MT (42 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Fortuna, ND (13 mi); Ambrose, ND (27 mi); Outlook, MT (33 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Westby
A personal loan hands you a single sum and a repayment schedule of equal monthly installments over an agreed term.
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.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Montana lending rules that apply in Westby
The table carries the Montana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Westby.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Westby
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Westby:
- 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.