Dane at a glance
- Population: about 1,088 residents, ranking 354th of 605 Census places in Wisconsin (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 1,118 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.7% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Wisconsin places: 354th by size among 605 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: larger than about 41% of the Census places in Wisconsin (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 43.2461, -89.4996 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Waunakee, WI (5 mi); Lodi, WI (5 mi); DeForest, WI (8 mi); Middleton, WI (10 mi); Windsor, WI (11 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Arlington, WI (9 mi); Merrimac, WI (11 mi); Wyocena, WI (20 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Dane
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.
Pre-qualification is a good first filter: it shows the rate and amount a lender may offer before you agree to a full application and a hard inquiry.
Wisconsin lending rules that apply in Dane
The table lists the Wisconsin rules that apply to a loan made in Dane, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Dane
Before you commit to a personal loan in Dane, work through these steps:
- 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.