Sumas at a glance
- Population: 1,665 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 179th-largest of 281 places in Washington.
- 2020 Census base: 1,583 residents in the 2020 Census, per the US Census Bureau.
- 2020 to 2023 change: up roughly 5.2% across the 2020-to-2023 comparison (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Washington places: the 179th-largest of 281 (US Census Bureau, 2023 estimate).
- Size percentile: roughly 36% of Washington's places have fewer residents (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: latitude 48.9955, longitude -122.2685 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities (120-mile radius): Everson, WA (7 mi); Lynden, WA (9 mi); Ferndale, WA (18 mi); Bellingham, WA (19 mi); Blaine, WA (22 mi) (US Census Bureau).
- Nearest smaller communities: Nooksack, WA (5 mi); Lyman, WA (34 mi); Hamilton, WA (35 mi) (Census populations).
What a personal loan costs in Sumas
Personal loans are installment credit — one lump sum, repaid in equal monthly installments across a fixed term you agree to up front.
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.
Shop with more than one lender and treat pre-qualification as an estimate, since the final terms follow a full application.
Washington lending rules that apply in Sumas
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Washington, and therefore in Sumas.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
How to compare offers in Sumas
These steps are the ones that most affect the offer you receive in Sumas:
- 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.