Longview at a glance
- Population: 37,925, the 33rd-largest community in Washington out of 281 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 37,819 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 0.3% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: 33rd in population of 281 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 88% of Washington places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 46.1457, -122.9643 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Vancouver, WA (39 mi); Hillsboro, OR (43 mi); Portland, OR (45 mi); Beaverton, OR (47 mi); Tigard, OR (51 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Kelso, WA (4 mi); Rainier, OR (5 mi); Prescott, OR (8 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Longview
The defining feature of a personal loan is the fixed installment: the same payment every month until the term ends.
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.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
Pre-qualifying with several lenders takes minutes, uses a soft pull, and gives you real numbers to compare before any hard inquiry.
Washington lending rules that apply in Longview
Each row below is a Washington rule with its publisher and the date it was retrieved.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Longview
Before you share your details with a lender in Longview:
- 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.