Payson, AZ

Payson, Arizona

Introduction to Payson, Arizona

Payson, Arizona, in Gila county, is 59 miles NE of Scottsdale, Arizona and 62 miles NE of Mesa, Arizona. The town has a population of 13,620.

Payson History

Payson was founded in 1882. At that time, the area was known as Green Valley. On March 3, 1884, the community was named “Payson” after Illinois congressman, Louis Edwin Payson. This name was adopted at the suggestion of postmaster Frank C. Hise. Payson remained an isolated town for many years, as the town's mail was delivered by horseback until about 1914. During the 1930s, many roads were constructed. The paved road connecting the town with Phoenix was completed in 1959.

Payson and nearby Attractions

• Shoo-Fly Indian Archaeological Site
• Museum of the Forest
• Northern Gila County Historical Society
• Elephant Head Tank
• Payson Rodeo Grounds
• Tonto National Forest

Things To Do In Payson

While in Payson, one can visit the nearby historical sites and museums like the Shoo-Fly Indian Archaeological Site, the Museum of the Forest, the Rim Country Museum and the Northern Gila County Historical Society. One can also visit the nearby parks that offer a range of recreational opportunities. Among these are Rumsey Park, the Tonto National Forest and the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The Tonto National Forest Seismological Observatory is another popular tourist destination. The town also hosts annual celebrations like Aero Fair, the Northern Gila County Fair and the Western Heritage Festival.

Payson Transportation

Flagstaff Pulliam is the nearest airport.

Payson Higher Education

Higher educational opportunities are offered by Scottsdale Community College and Paradise Valley Community College.

High Points

Payson strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Arizona):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Low Violent Crime (vs. State)	Top 18%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 18%

Comparative Profile of Payson, AZ

Comparing Payson to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Arizona (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Payson Almanac

Payson Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Payson Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Payson Hospitals

PAYSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
807 S PONDEROSA DR
(928) 474-3222
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Payson

Wal-Mart in Payson

Payson High Schools (2004)

PAYSON HIGH SCHOOL
301 SOUTH MCLANE
928-474-2233
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 904 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.2

PAYSON CENTER FOR SUCCESS
501 S. MCLANE ROAD
928-472-2011
A charter school.
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 49 students.

STAR VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
166 EZELL LANE
A charter school.
Serves 35 students.

Payson Colleges

(List of All Arizona Colleges)

NEW: Community Comments below!