Poplar at a glance
- Population: a Census-estimated 727, placing it 69th among Montana's 127 places (Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: the 2020 Census recorded 762 residents here (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: down about 4.6% from the 2020 Census base to the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Montana places: 69th in population of 127 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: ahead of around 46% of Montana places in population terms (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 48.1105, longitude -105.1969 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities within 120 miles: Wolf Point, MT (21 mi); Scobey, MT (48 mi); Plentywood, MT (55 mi); Sidney, MT (55 mi); Fairview, MT (56 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Culbertson, MT (31 mi); Richey, MT (33 mi); Froid, MT (36 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Poplar
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
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 term reduces what you owe each month and increases the total interest, which is the trade-off to weigh before choosing one.
Work out the payment you can comfortably carry each month first, then borrow no more than that figure supports.
Montana lending rules that apply in Poplar
The table carries the Montana rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Poplar.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required under the Montana Consumer Loan Act (32-5-101); licensing through NMLS Source says: "A consumer loan license is needed to engage in business as defined in the Montana Consumer Loan Act" | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (BFID), Department of Administration Source says: "The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Division) does all of its licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)." | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Deferred deposit loan license requirement (MCA 31-1-705) | A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department Source says: "A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department." | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Greater of 15% or prime rate + 6 percentage points per year (written agreement); regulated lenders exempt Source says: "Parties may agree in writing to the payment of any rate of interest that does not exceed the greater of 15%" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal; deferred deposit lenders must be licensed; fee capped at 36% per annum Source says: "A licensee may not charge a fee for making or carrying each deferred deposit loan authorized by this part that exceeds 36% per annum" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Poplar
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Poplar:
- 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 Montana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.