Martinsburg at a glance
- Population: about 1,830, 447th by size in Pennsylvania of 1,013 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 1,880 people at the 2020 Census, the baseline for the trend below (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a loss of about 2.7% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Pennsylvania places: 447th by size among 1,013 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 56% of Pennsylvania's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 40.3109 / -78.3243, per the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Roaring Spring, PA (4 mi); Hollidaysburg, PA (9 mi); Altoona, PA (14 mi); Portage, PA (19 mi); Huntingdon, PA (21 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller places nearby: Woodbury, PA (6 mi); Saxton, PA (8 mi); Newry, PA (8 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Martinsburg
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
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.
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.
Pennsylvania lending rules that apply in Martinsburg
The table lists the Pennsylvania rules that apply to a loan made in Martinsburg, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Discount Company Act license required for non-mortgage consumer loans above 6%; licensed lenders may charge up to 24% on loans of $25,000 or less. Source says: "A consumer discount company is a business corporation that negotiates or makes non-mortgage loans or advances of money on credit." | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) Source says: "The Department of Banking and Securities regulates financial services in Pennsylvania." | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
| Bank rate-cap exemption (state-specific rule) | Pennsylvania state-chartered banks are not subject to state interest-rate caps (Banking Code Sections 303/506 supersede the LIPL 6% cap). Source says: "Pennsylvania law does not impose any restrictions on the interest rate that Pennsylvania state-chartered banks may charge to customers." (DoBS interpretive letter, May 11, 2023). | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 6% per annum maximum for loans of $50,000 or less where no lower rate is contracted (41 P.S. 201(a)). Source says: "the maximum lawful rate of interest for the loan or use of money... shall be six per cent per annum" (Loan Interest and Protection Law, Section 201(a)). | Pennsylvania General Assembly (Laws of Pennsylvania, Act 6 of 1974) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | No separate payday-lending license; non-bank lenders are limited to 6% (unlicensed) or up to 24% (CDCA-licensed), so high-cost payday loans are not permitted. Source says: "if a lender is licensed by the Department in accord with the CDCA, it can charge between 6-24% on loans under $25,000" (DoBS interpretive letter, May 11, 2023). | Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Martinsburg
Run through this list before signing anything in Martinsburg:
- 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 Pennsylvania using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.