Clear Lake at a glance
- Population: 1,102, the 351st-largest community in Wisconsin out of 605 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 1,092 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 0.9% more residents than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Wisconsin places: the 351st-largest of 605 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: roughly 42% of places in Wisconsin rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: it sits at 45.2480, -92.2678 in the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Amery, WI (6 mi); Glenwood City, WI (14 mi); New Richmond, WI (16 mi); St. Croix Falls, WI (21 mi); Woodville, WI (21 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller places close by: Deer Park, WI (7 mi); Clayton, WI (7 mi); Turtle Lake, WI (11 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Clear Lake
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is pledged, and they are repaid in equal installments over a fixed term.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
Because interest accrues for longer, a longer term means a lower installment and a higher total cost — decide which matters more to you.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Wisconsin lending rules that apply in Clear Lake
The table carries the Wisconsin rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Clear Lake.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed by the DFI Division of Banking; statewide database tracking (Wis. Stat. § 138.14) Source says: "Licensee" means a person holding a license issued by the division under sub. (5) | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Licensed lender license required from the Division of Banking (Wis. Stat. § 138.09) Source says: Before any person may do business under this section, that person shall first obtain a license from the division. | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Banking Source says: "Department" means the department of financial institutions | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per year maximum ($12 per $100) on the declining principal balance, except as authorized by other statutes (Wis. Stat. § 138.05(1)(a)) Source says: At the rate of $12 upon $100 for one year computed upon the declining principal balance of the loan or forbearance | Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Clear Lake
The steps below are worth completing first when you borrow in Clear Lake:
- 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 Wisconsin using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.