Macon at a glance
- Population: roughly 5,495 people; 124th of 937 places in Missouri (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 5,456 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a gain of roughly 0.7% between the 2020 count and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 124th of the state's 937 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 87% of places in Missouri rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 39.7422 latitude, -92.4706 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Moberly, MO (22 mi); Kirksville, MO (32 mi); Mexico, MO (51 mi); Columbia, MO (55 mi); Boonville, MO (56 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller places close by: Bevier, MO (5 mi); Callao, MO (8 mi); Jacksonville, MO (11 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Macon
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.
Choosing a longer term eases the monthly budget but adds interest over the life of the loan; a shorter term costs more per month and less overall.
Pre-qualification is a good first filter: it shows the rate and amount a lender may offer before you agree to a full application and a hard inquiry.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Macon
The table lists the Missouri rules that apply to a loan made in Macon, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Additional loan fee cap (30+ day loans) | Up to 10% of principal, capped at $100 (RSMo § 408.140) Source says: "a fee, not to exceed ten percent of the principal amount loaned not to exceed one hundred dollars may be charged by the lender" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per annum, or the higher published 'market rate' (RSMo § 408.030) Source says: "a rate of interest not exceeding ten percent per annum on money due or to become due upon any contract" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — unsecured loans of $500 or less require a license from the Director of the Division of Finance (RSMo § 408.500) Source says: "in the business of making unsecured loans of five hundred dollars or less shall obtain a license from the director of the division of finance" | Missouri Revisor of Statutes as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer credit lenders licensed and regulated by the Division of Finance's consumer credit section (Chapters 367 and 408, RSMo) Source says: "The consumer credit section of the Missouri Division of Finance is responsible for licensing and regulating various types of consumer finance companies" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Missouri Division of Finance (Department of Commerce and Insurance) Source says: "We regulate state-chartered banks, trust companies, consumer credit facilities, mortgage brokers, and savings and loan institutions" | Missouri Division of Finance as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Macon
Run through this list before signing anything in Macon:
- 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 Missouri using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.