Junior at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 376 residents, ranking 168th of 230 places in West Virginia (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 384 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a loss of about 2.1% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among West Virginia places: 168th of the state's 230 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 27% of places in West Virginia rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 38.9766, -79.9526 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Belington, WV (3 mi); Elkins, WV (6 mi); Beverly, WV (10 mi); Philippi, WV (13 mi); Buckhannon, WV (15 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Smaller towns nearby: Womelsdorf (Coalton), WV (5 mi); Montrose, WV (10 mi); Hambleton, WV (18 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Junior
A personal loan is an installment loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments over a set term, usually two to seven years.
Two loans can share an interest rate and still differ in APR once fees are counted, so compare APR; our personal loan calculator shows the difference over the full term.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
West Virginia lending rules that apply in Junior
The West Virginia rate caps and licensing rules that reach Junior are listed below, each with its source and retrieval date.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated consumer lender license required from the Commissioner (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-101) Source says: Unless a person has first obtained a license from the commissioner authorizing the person to make regulated consumer loans | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) Source says: The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is charged with the regulation and supervision of financial institutions chartered by the State of West Virginia. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 31% per year on unsecured loans of $3,500 or less; 27% on $3,500–$15,000; 18% above $15,000 (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-107) Source says: the loan finance charge, calculated according to the actuarial method, may not exceed 31 percent per year | West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Traditional payday lending is generally prohibited; check cashers are regulated under W. Va. Code ch. 32A Source says: Traditional "Payday Lenders" are generally prohibited within this state. | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Junior
Run through this list before signing anything in Junior:
- 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 West Virginia using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.