Stamford at a glance
- Population: about 136,226, 2nd by size in Connecticut of 29 places (Census Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate).
- 2020 Census base: 135,451 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a gain of roughly 0.6% between the 2020 count and the 2023 estimate (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Connecticut places: 2nd in population of 29 places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 93% of places in Connecticut rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: the Census Gazetteer places it at 41.0796, -73.5461.
- Nearest larger cities: Yonkers, NY (19 mi); Bridgeport, CT (20 mi); Paterson, NJ (34 mi); New York, NY (35 mi); Jersey City, NJ (37 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller places: Norwalk, CT (7 mi); Rye Brook, NY (8 mi); Port Chester, NY (8 mi) (US Census Bureau estimates).
What a personal loan costs in Stamford
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
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.
Connecticut lending rules that apply in Stamford
The table lists the Connecticut rules that apply to a loan made in Stamford, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | Connecticut Department of Banking Source says: "The Department of Banking considers payday loan companies as unlicensed small loan lenders". | Connecticut Department of Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan APR caps (§ 36a-558(d)) | Loans under $5,000: lesser of 36% APR or the Military Lending Act rate cap; loans $5,000–$50,000: 25% APR Source says: "an APR that exceeds the lesser of thirty-six per cent"; "an APR that exceeds twenty-five per cent". | Connecticut General Assembly — C.G.S. § 36a-558(d) (2026 Supplement) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum (consumer loans; statutory exceptions apply, e.g., banks, credit unions, small loan licensees) Source says: "charge, demand, accept or make any agreement to receive therefor interest at a rate greater than twelve per cent per annum". | Connecticut General Assembly — C.G.S. § 37-4 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Not permitted — payday loans (small loans at more than 12% APR) are void and unenforceable unless made by exempt persons; licensed small loan companies may charge up to 36% APR Source says: "Connecticut Banking Law considers such loans as void and unenforceable"; "Small Loan licensees can charge up to 36% annual percentage rate (APR)". | Connecticut Department of Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Small loan license required for loans of $50,000 or less with an APR greater than 12% (Small Loan Lending and Related Activities Act, C.G.S. §§ 36a-555 to 36a-573) Source says: "Without having first obtained a small loan license from the commissioner pursuant to section 36a-565, no person shall". | Connecticut General Assembly — C.G.S. § 36a-556 (2026 Supplement) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Stamford
A few practical steps will make the process in Stamford less costly:
- 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 Connecticut using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.