Chewelah at a glance
- Population: 2,659, the 150th-largest community in Washington out of 281 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 2,472 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 7.6% more residents than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 150th largest of 281 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 47% of places in Washington are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 48.2826, -117.7169 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Colville, WA (20 mi); Deer Park, WA (25 mi); Airway Heights, WA (44 mi); Spokane, WA (45 mi); Spokane Valley, WA (48 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller places nearby: Springdale, WA (16 mi); Cusick, WA (20 mi); Kettle Falls, WA (27 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Chewelah
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
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.
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.
Washington lending rules that apply in Chewelah
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in Chewelah, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Chewelah
A few practical steps will make the process in Chewelah less costly:
- 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.