Nogales at a glance
- Population: 19,702 — 33rd in Arizona, which has 91 Census places (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 19,766 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: down about 0.3% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Arizona places: 33rd of 91 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: larger than about 64% of the Census places in Arizona (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 31.3619, -110.9348 (Census Gazetteer, US Census Bureau).
- Nearest larger cities: Sierra Vista, AZ (39 mi); Sahuarita, AZ (39 mi); Tucson, AZ (55 mi); Oro Valley, AZ (73 mi); Marana, AZ (77 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Smaller towns nearby: Patagonia, AZ (17 mi); Huachuca City, AZ (40 mi); Benson, AZ (52 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Nogales
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
Two loans can share an interest rate and still differ in APR once fees are counted, so compare APR; our personal loan calculator shows the difference over the full term.
A longer term reduces what you owe each month and increases the total interest, which is the trade-off to weigh before choosing one.
Set the loan amount from the expense itself rather than the maximum you are approved for, and keep the payment within your existing budget.
Arizona lending rules that apply in Nogales
The table carries the Arizona rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Nogales.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per year default; any rate may be agreed in writing (other than medical debt) Source says: "interest shall be at the rate of ten percent a year, unless a different rate is contracted for in writing". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 44-1201 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Not permitted — payday lending authorization expired June 30, 2010; DIFI no longer licenses payday lenders; consumer loans over 36% APR illegal since July 1, 2010 Source says: "The law allowing payday loans in Arizona expired on June 30, 2010. DIFI no longer licenses payday lenders." | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer lender license required from the deputy director (A.R.S. Title 6, Chapter 5); at least $25,000 in assets readily available per licensed office; license not transferable Source says: "shall not engage in the business of a consumer lender without first being licensed as a consumer lender". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 6-603 as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) Source says: "The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI)". | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Consumer lender loan rate caps (§ 6-632) | Consumer loans: 36% per year on principal up to $3,000; for larger loans, 36% on the first $3,000 and 24% above $3,000 Source says: "a consumer loan rate of thirty-six per cent"; "a consumer loan rate of twenty-four per cent on that part of the principal amount greater than three thousand dollars". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 6-632 as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Nogales
Run through this list before signing anything in Nogales:
- 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 Arizona using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.