South Cle Elum at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 556 residents, ranking 235th of 281 places in Washington (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 557 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population fell about 0.2% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Washington places: 235th largest of 281 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: about 16% of Washington's Census places are smaller (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 47.1862, -120.9525.
- Nearest larger cities: Cle Elum, WA (1 mi); Roslyn, WA (11 mi); Ellensburg, WA (23 mi); Kittitas, WA (29 mi); Leavenworth, WA (31 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Nearest smaller places: Skykomish, WA (41 mi); Wilkeson, WA (52 mi); Index, WA (52 mi) (US Census Bureau estimates).
What a personal loan costs in South Cle Elum
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.
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.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Washington lending rules that apply in South Cle Elum
The table lists the Washington rules that apply to a loan made in South Cle Elum, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in South Cle Elum
Before you share your details with a lender in South Cle Elum:
- 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 Washington using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.