Keystone at a glance
- Population: 621 — 402nd in Iowa, which has 940 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 603 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 3.0% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Iowa places: 402nd by size among 940 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 57% of Iowa's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 41.9995, -92.1982 (Census Gazetteer, US Census Bureau).
- Nearest larger cities (within 120 miles): Van Horne, IA (6 mi); Belle Plaine, IA (8 mi); Blairstown, IA (9 mi); Newhall, IA (12 mi); Dysart, IA (13 mi) (US Census Bureau populations).
- Smaller towns nearby: Elberon, IA (6 mi); Luzerne, IA (7 mi); Vining, IA (10 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Keystone
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is pledged, and they are repaid in equal installments over a fixed term.
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.
The offer you receive reflects the lender's read of your credit, income and debts, and the term controls the balance between payment size and total interest.
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 Keystone
The table carries the Iowa rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Keystone.
| 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 Keystone
Run through this list before signing anything in Keystone:
- 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.