Bunkie at a glance
- Population: 3,205 people, the 83rd-largest place among Louisiana's 302 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 3,348 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 4.3% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 83rd by size among 302 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 73% of Louisiana's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 30.9537, -92.1881 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Marksville, LA (14 mi); Ville Platte, LA (19 mi); Alexandria, LA (29 mi); Oakdale, LA (29 mi); Pineville, LA (30 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller towns: Evergreen, LA (5 mi); Cheneyville, LA (7 mi); Hessmer, LA (8 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Bunkie
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is pledged, and they are repaid in equal installments over a fixed term.
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 lender weighs your credit profile, income and debts when setting the rate, and a longer term lowers the payment at the cost of more interest overall.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Bunkie
The table lists the Louisiana rules that apply to a loan made in Bunkie, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" | Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Bunkie
The order below is a sensible way to approach a loan in Bunkie:
- 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 Louisiana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.