Wharton at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 7,346 residents, ranking 153rd of 323 places in New Jersey (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 7,237 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 1.5% more residents than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among New Jersey places: 153rd by size among 323 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 53% of New Jersey's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 40.8971, -74.5745 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Dover, NJ (1 mi); Hopatcong, NJ (6 mi); Morristown, NJ (9 mi); Boonton, NJ (9 mi); Kinnelon, NJ (11 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Victory Gardens, NJ (2 mi); Rockaway, NJ (3 mi); Mount Arlington, NJ (4 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Wharton
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 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.
A longer term reduces what you owe each month and increases the total interest, which is the trade-off to weigh before choosing one.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
New Jersey lending rules that apply in Wharton
The table lists the New Jersey rules that apply to a loan made in Wharton, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI); Office of Consumer Finance supervises consumer lenders Source says: "The Office of Consumer Finance regulates 16 types of businesses that provide a variety of consumer financial services." | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Criminal usury limits | 30% for non-corporate borrowers; 50% for corporations Source says: "the criminal usury limitation is 50 percent for corporations and 30 percent for non-corporate borrowers" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Civil usury: rates above 6% (agreement not in writing) or above 16% (written contract specifying the rate) Source says: "the civil usury rate is any interest rate greater than 6 percent for an agreement that is not in writing" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Unlicensed payday lending violates New Jersey's civil and criminal usury rates; payday lenders must be licensed Source says: "out-of-state or foreign entities that have not obtained the required New Jersey license and whose payment terms violate New Jersey's civil and criminal usury rates" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer lender license required for loans of $50,000 or less for personal, family, or household purposes (N.J.S.A. 17:11C-1 et seq.) Source says: "A consumer lender license is required for the making of a loan that is to be used primarily for personal, family or household purposes" | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Wharton
Run through this list before signing anything in Wharton:
- 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 New Jersey using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.