Houma at a glance
- Population: roughly 31,733 people; 8th of 302 places in Louisiana (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 33,408 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 5.0% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Louisiana places: 8th of the state's 302 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 97% of Louisiana places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 29.5787, longitude -90.7080 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Kenner, LA (40 mi); New Orleans, LA (57 mi); Gulfport, MS (114 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller towns: Lockport, LA (12 mi); Thibodaux, LA (16 mi); Golden Meadow, LA (29 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Houma
A personal loan hands you a single sum and a repayment schedule of equal monthly installments over an agreed term.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
A longer term reduces what you owe each month and increases the total interest, which is the trade-off to weigh before choosing one.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
Louisiana lending rules that apply in Houma
The Louisiana rate caps and licensing rules that reach Houma are listed below, each with its source and retrieval date.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Houma
The steps below are worth completing first when you borrow in Houma:
- 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.