Yakima at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 96,750, placing it 11th among Washington's 281 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 count put the population at 96,975 (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 0.2% fewer residents than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 11th of the state's 281 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 96% of the Census places in Washington (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 46.5909 / -120.5494, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Kent, WA (96 mi); Federal Way, WA (98 mi); Renton, WA (99 mi); Tacoma, WA (101 mi); Bellevue, WA (103 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Union Gap, WA (4 mi); Selah, WA (4 mi); Moxee, WA (7 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Yakima
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
APR, not the simple interest rate, reflects what the loan actually costs once fees are included; the personal loan calculator puts a figure on it.
Your credit, income and existing debts drive the rate a lender offers, while the term you pick sets how much interest builds on top.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
Washington lending rules that apply in Yakima
The table carries the Washington rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Yakima.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Yakima
Before you share your details with a lender in Yakima:
- 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.