Merriam Woods at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 2,018 residents, ranking 240th of 937 places in Missouri (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 1,999 people counted in the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: roughly 1.0% higher than at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Missouri places: 240th of 937 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 74% of Missouri's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 36.7215 latitude, -93.1729 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Forsyth, MO (5 mi); Hollister, MO (9 mi); Branson, MO (10 mi); Kimberling City, MO (15 mi); Ozark, MO (22 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Smaller places nearby: Rockaway Beach, MO (2 mi); Bull Creek, MO (2 mi); Kirbyville, MO (6 mi), per US Census Bureau estimates.
What a personal loan costs in Merriam Woods
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
The APR is the comparable price of a loan since it folds in fees; model any offer with the personal loan calculator first.
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.
Missouri lending rules that apply in Merriam Woods
The Missouri rate caps and licensing rules that reach Merriam Woods are listed below, each with its source and retrieval date.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Merriam Woods
Before you share your details with a lender in Merriam Woods:
- 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.