Bluefield at a glance
- Population: 9,272 people, the 15th-largest place among West Virginia's 230 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 9,639 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 3.8% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 15th largest of 230 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it is larger than about 93% of the places in West Virginia (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 37.2628 latitude, -81.2113 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Beckley, WV (35 mi); Radford, VA (37 mi); Blacksburg, VA (43 mi); Christiansburg, VA (45 mi); Mount Airy, NC (62 mi); each population is a US Census Bureau estimate.
- Nearest smaller towns: Bluefield, VA (4 mi); Bramwell, WV (7 mi); Pocahontas, VA (8 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Bluefield
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.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Bluefield
Each row below is a West Virginia rule with its publisher and the date it was retrieved.
| 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 Bluefield
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Bluefield:
- 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.