Alberton at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 527 residents, ranking 80th of 127 places in Montana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 count put the population at 449 (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 17.4% growth over the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: 80th largest of 127 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 37% of places in Montana are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 47.0044, -114.4853 (Census Gazetteer, US Census Bureau).
- Nearest larger cities: Missoula, MT (23 mi); Superior, MT (24 mi); St. Ignatius, MT (28 mi); Plains, MT (37 mi); Stevensville, MT (39 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Drummond, MT (67 mi); Pierce, ID (72 mi); Weippe, ID (81 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Alberton
A personal loan is structured as an installment plan, with a set number of monthly payments and a fixed amount due each time.
Because the APR includes origination and finance charges, it is the honest comparison number; the personal loan calculator turns an APR and term into a monthly payment.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Montana lending rules that apply in Alberton
The table carries the Montana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Alberton.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Alberton
Before you commit to a personal loan in Alberton, work through these steps:
- 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.