- Payday loans in Ranchester follow Wyoming law (Wyoming Uniform Consumer Credit Code, W.S. 40-14-363).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs Up to $60 a month (20%).
- The nearest larger city is Gillette, about 93 miles away.
Ranchester at a glance
| Ranchester | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,176 |
| Change since 2020 | +9.7% (growing fast) |
| County | Sheridan County |
| Size rank among 72 Wyoming places we cover | 39th |
| Nearest larger city | Gillette (about 93 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Sheridan County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 2 (about 20,642 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 316% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Gillette or online from Ranchester, the lender must hold a Wyoming license from the Wyoming Division of Banking and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Ranchester
No credit union has its main office in Ranchester, but these are based elsewhere in Sheridan County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Sheridan Community Federal Credit Union in Sheridan (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Cit-Co Federal Credit Union in Sheridan (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
Only federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR; state-chartered credit unions often have their own small-loan products. Membership rules apply, and only main offices are listed here; find branches near you with the NCUA Credit Union Locator. See how PALs work.
Payday loan rules that apply in Ranchester
Key Wyoming limits that apply to Ranchester borrowers: maximum fee: $30 or 20% of the principal per month, whichever is greater; extended payment plan: available under W.S. 40-14-366. See the full Wyoming payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Ranchester
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Wyoming at 316% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect Up to $60 a month (20%). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Sheridan County before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Ranchester that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Ranchester
The nearest larger city is Gillette, about 93 miles away. See all 72 Wyoming cities.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Ranchester?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ranchester under Wyoming state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wyoming Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ranchester?
At Wyoming’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs Up to $60 a month (20%). The typical statewide APR was 316% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Ranchester?
No credit union is headquartered in Ranchester, but Sheridan Community Federal Credit Union is based in Sheridan, also in Sheridan County.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
- NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
- W.S. 40-14-363
- W.S. 40-14-366 — Extended payment plan
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary