Williamson at a glance
- Population: 2,831 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 43rd-largest of 230 places in West Virginia.
- 2020 Census base: 3,080 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 8.1% below the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 43rd of 230 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 81% of West Virginia places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 37.6741, -82.2711 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Pikeville, KY (20 mi); Prestonsburg, KY (27 mi); Paintsville, KY (31 mi); Welch, WV (41 mi); Richlands, VA (48 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Nearest smaller towns: Delbarton, WV (5 mi); Matewan, WV (7 mi); Kermit, WV (14 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Williamson
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
The advertised interest rate leaves out fees that the APR captures, which is why APR is the number to weigh; try the personal loan calculator before you apply.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Williamson
The West Virginia rate caps and licensing rules that reach Williamson are listed below, each with its source and retrieval date.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 31% per year on unsecured loans of $3,500 or less; 27% on $3,500–$15,000; 18% above $15,000 (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-107) Source says: the loan finance charge, calculated according to the actuarial method, may not exceed 31 percent per year | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Traditional payday lending is generally prohibited; check cashers are regulated under W. Va. Code ch. 32A Source says: Traditional "Payday Lenders" are generally prohibited within this state. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated consumer lender license required from the Commissioner (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-101) Source says: Unless a person has first obtained a license from the commissioner authorizing the person to make regulated consumer loans | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) Source says: The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is charged with the regulation and supervision of financial institutions chartered by the State of West Virginia. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Williamson
A few practical steps will make the process in Williamson less costly:
- 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 West Virginia using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.