Bethlehem at a glance
- Population: 2,553 people, the 48th-largest place among West Virginia's 230 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 2,607 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: a decline of roughly 2.1% between the 2020 count and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 48th of 230 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 79% of West Virginia places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 40.0465, -80.6809 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Wheeling, WV (2 mi); Bellaire, OH (4 mi); Martins Ferry, OH (5 mi); Shadyside, OH (6 mi); Moundsville, WV (9 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Triadelphia, WV (3 mi); Bridgeport, OH (4 mi); Benwood, WV (4 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Bethlehem
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
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.
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.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Bethlehem
The table lists the West Virginia rules that apply to a loan made in Bethlehem, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Bethlehem
Run through this list before signing anything in Bethlehem:
- 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.