Kalona at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 2,739, placing it 132nd among Iowa's 940 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 2,635 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 3.9% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Iowa places: 132nd largest of 940 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 86% of Iowa places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 41.4874, -91.7018 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Washington, IA (13 mi); Iowa City, IA (15 mi); Tiffin, IA (15 mi); Coralville, IA (16 mi); North Liberty, IA (18 mi); each population is a US Census Bureau estimate.
- Smaller places close by: Riverside, IA (7 mi); Wellman, IA (7 mi); Hills, IA (10 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Kalona
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
The advertised interest rate leaves out fees that the APR captures, which is why APR is the number to weigh; try the personal loan calculator before you apply.
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.
Iowa lending rules that apply in Kalona
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Iowa, and therefore in Kalona.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Permitted under license (delayed deposit services; must be physically located in Iowa) Source says: "A person shall not operate a delayed deposit services business in this state unless the person is physically located in this state and licensed by the superintendent". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated Loan Act license required (superintendent of banking) Source says: "shall not engage in the business of making loans ... without first obtaining a license from the superintendent of banking". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Iowa Division of Banking (IDOB), Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services Source says: "As part of the 2023 state government realignment, the IDOB became part of a new Department of Insurance and Financial Services". | Iowa Division of Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
| Delayed deposit fee cap | Fee cap: $15 on first $100 of check face amount; $10 on subsequent $100 increments Source says: "fifteen dollars on the first one hundred dollars ... or more than ten dollars on subsequent one hundred dollar increments". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 2 percentage points above the monthly average 10-year U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate (written agreements) Source says: "The maximum lawful rate of interest ... in any written agreement ... shall be two percentage points above the monthly average ten-year constant maturity interest rate". | Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Kalona
Before you commit to a personal loan in Kalona, 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 Iowa using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.