Dillon at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 4,176, placing it 20th among Montana's 127 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 3,878 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 7.7% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: 20th by size among 127 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 84% of Montana places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: it sits at 45.2179, -112.6346 in the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Anaconda-Deer Lodge, MT (65 mi); Belgrade, MT (81 mi); Bozeman, MT (83 mi); Helena, MT (100 mi); Hamilton, MT (103 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Smaller places nearby: Twin Bridges, MT (27 mi); Sheridan, MT (27 mi); Virginia City, MT (34 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Dillon
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
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.
Your credit, income and existing debts drive the rate a lender offers, while the term you pick sets how much interest builds on top.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Montana lending rules that apply in Dillon
The table carries the Montana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Dillon.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Legal; deferred deposit lenders must be licensed; fee capped at 36% per annum Source says: "A licensee may not charge a fee for making or carrying each deferred deposit loan authorized by this part that exceeds 36% per annum" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required under the Montana Consumer Loan Act (32-5-101); licensing through NMLS Source says: "A consumer loan license is needed to engage in business as defined in the Montana Consumer Loan Act" | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (BFID), Department of Administration Source says: "The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Division) does all of its licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)." | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Deferred deposit loan license requirement (MCA 31-1-705) | A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department Source says: "A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department." | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Greater of 15% or prime rate + 6 percentage points per year (written agreement); regulated lenders exempt Source says: "Parties may agree in writing to the payment of any rate of interest that does not exceed the greater of 15%" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Dillon
A few practical steps will make the process in Dillon 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 Montana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.